Cultural Competence in Ophthalmic Dispensing Education: A Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic Dispensing Education
• Healthcare Education
• Cultural Competence Training

Background:

• Cultural competence is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
• Higher education plays a vital role in equipping students with cultural competency skills.
• Integrating cultural competence into ophthalmic dispensing curricula is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore lecturers' perspectives on teaching cultural competence in ophthalmic dispensing programs.
• To understand lecturers' experiences and attitudes regarding cultural diversity in education.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for cultural competence integration in the curriculum.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 7 lecturers.
• Interpretivist paradigm and thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's framework.
• Research conducted at a South African university's ophthalmic dispensing department.

Main Results:

• Lecturers' experiences and understandings significantly influence cultural competence education.
• Cross-cultural exposure and specific teaching practices impact cultural competence integration.
• Cultural competence is not explicitly or systematically included in the current ophthalmic dispensing curriculum.

Conclusions:

• Lecturers require further training in cultural competence skills and evidence-based teaching strategies.
• Developing curricula that systematically incorporate cultural competence is necessary.
• Addressing cultural diversity in ophthalmic dispensing education requires targeted interventions and curriculum development.