Bradford follows American example

The University's Department of Optometry is using the North American model to alter its clinical teaching.

The Department has an enviable reputation as one which provides excellent clinical teaching. The main difference between optometry in North America and the UK is that in 46 states in the USA some form of therapeutic rug treatment can be used and the majority of Canada's provinces are attempting to obtain similar legislation.

Head of Department, Professor David Whitaker, said: "The American optometrists' level of knowledge in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease is therefore very high and we can learn from them in this area.

"Many people now agree that the profession in the UK must move on and take more of a primary care role in eye care management."

The Department is also a member of the Bradford Glaucoma Monitoring Scheme run by the local optical committee.

Professor Whitaker said: "The Americans believe that you must educate before you legislate. To this end, clinical teaching in Bradford ensures that our graduates are ready to take on extra responsibilities.

"We have a history of starting clinical teaching in the first week of the first year so there is plenty of time to clinically educate the students. By the end of the first semester students can perform visual acuity, retinoscopy and subjective assessments."

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