[Assessment of knowledge and skills among French ophthalmic technicians: How are we coming with implementing the...

The Order of October 20, 2014, structured ophthalmic technician training in France according to the university model, Licence-Master-Doctorat (LMD), aiming to standardize education across departments. This study evaluates the practical implementation of the assessment modalities specified in the order ten years after its publication.

A retrospective multicentric study was conducted in the 16 French ophthalmic technician training departments during the academic year 2023-2024. General Modalities for the Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (M3C) were collected, analyzing evaluation methods for teaching units (UE), the Clinical Competence Certificate (CCC), and the distribution of ECTS credits.

Twelve departments participated. The evaluation methods recommended by the order were generally well followed, particularly regarding written final exams (94%) and continuous assessment (86%). However, oral final exams showed low conformity (14%). Regarding the CCC, significant disparities were observed, with some departments implementing structured evaluations such as OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), while others have not formalized this evaluation. Most departments comply with the distribution of ECTS credits per semester, but discrepancies persist in the precise allocation of credits per UE.

Ten years after the 2014 Order, ophthalmic technician training shows overall good conformity with evaluation recommendations, but with some notable disparities, particularly in oral assessments and CCC evaluations. Greater homogenization remains necessary to ensure consistent quality in ophthalmic technician training.