Fostering holistic eye care for children with special educational needs: an interprofessional education program bridging optometry and education.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study outlines the initiation of an interprofessional education (IPE) program designed for optometry and education students. The program aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and improve the management of eye health in children with special educational needs (SEN) - a vulnerable and underserved group.

Methods

This program incorporated lectures and workshops to impart essential knowledge about SEN and to develop the necessary attitudes and skills for conducting eye examinations. A key component involved vision screenings at two special education schools, where optometry (n = 43) and education students (n = 39) collaborated to serve 170 children with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Quantitative data was gathered pre- and post-program using a

SUBMITTER: Wan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11580647 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature