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Charles F. Prentice Memorial Lecture--1976. Optometry curriculum patterns in Europe
American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics
|March 1, 1977
Summary
European ophthalmic optician education varies significantly from U.S. standards. Training includes an average of 9.4 years of basic education, 2.8 years of coursework, and 2 years of apprenticeship.
Area of Science:
- Optometry and Ophthalmic Optics Education
- Comparative International Education
Background:
- Opticianry training varies globally.
- English-speaking countries, particularly the U.S., have distinct educational pathways compared to continental Europe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present current opticianry curriculum patterns in 12 European countries.
- To compare European opticianry education with that in English-speaking nations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of formalized basic education duration.
- Evaluation of formalized coursework in optics and optometry schools.
- Assessment of required apprenticeship periods.
Main Results:
- Average formalized basic education: 9.4 academic years.
- Average formalized coursework: 2.8 academic years.
- Average required apprenticeship: 2 years.
Conclusions:
- European opticianry education is characterized by extensive foundational schooling and apprenticeships.
- Significant differences exist in the duration and structure of opticianry training between Europe and English-speaking countries.