A protocol for a scoping review to map the assessment approaches in optometry education programmes globally

Area of Science:

• Optometry Education
• Clinical Skills Assessment
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Optometrist training emphasizes critical thinking for real-world clinical problem-solving.
• Professional competencies should guide assessment methods in optometry education.
• A broad range of assessment strategies is crucial for effective learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of assessment approaches used in optometry education worldwide.
• To identify and map the diverse methods employed in training future optometrists.
• To understand the global landscape of assessment in optometry programs.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following PRISMA methodology and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.
• Systematic literature search of peer-reviewed studies and grey literature from the past 10 years.
• Thematic analysis of extracted data from identified sources using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool.

Main Results:

• The review will document current assessment approaches in global optometry training programs.
• Evidence on the alignment between assessment strategies and required optometry competencies will be presented.
• The study aims to identify a spectrum of assessment methodologies utilized in optometry education.

Conclusions:

• Understanding global assessment practices is vital for standardizing optometry training.
• The review will provide insights into competency-based assessment in accredited optometry programs.
• Findings will inform the development and refinement of effective assessment strategies in optometry education.