Doctor of Optometry Microcredentials Catalog 2022-2023

PEDIATRIC MICROCREDENTIAL Dr. Shelby Leach

Background Vision plays a major role in a child’s learning and development. Kids often do not complain of issues with their eyes; therefore, optometrists capable of performing a thorough examination and appropriate management is vital to ensuring a lifetime of optimal vision and eye health. According to the American Optometric Association, a child’s first eye exam should be between 6 and 12 months of age. By pre-school, around 1 in 5 children have vision problems and 1 in 4 school-aged kids wear corrective lenses. Common pediatric ocular conditions such as uncorrected refractive error, amblyopia, and strabismus must be managed promptly to avoid serious vision loss. Most optometrists are not comfortable examining young children since exam flow usually needs to be adapted on the spot and remain continually flexible. The testing must be ability appropriate and rely on both objective and subjective results. Hands-on experience in the various pediatric clinics is the most direct way to become comfortable with examining all ages and levels of development. Mission Statement The Pediatric Microcredential is meant to develop students' expertise in the areas of general pediatrics, children with disabilities, infant vision care, and myopia management. Students will learn how to efficiently and effectively examine the pediatric population while building a solid foundation in a variety of pediatric ocular conditions and diseases. Learning Objectives  To explore the field of pediatric optometry through multidisciplinary and collaborative care.  To develop techniques required to effectively examine the pediatric population, including infants and children of all ages, from basic to complex cases.  To gain exposure and learn how to diagnose and manage a variety of complicated and uncommon pediatric ocular diseases.  To increase knowledge and experience in emerging myopia management options.  To gain experience working in a hospital setting and co-managing with pediatric ophthalmology.  To increase familiarity with a wide variety of genetic and childhood acquired vision disorders.  To foster a life-long passion for enhancing the visual quality of life in the disabled population.

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