MISSION:
To advance the teaching of basic biomedical science courses (including gross & ocular anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, basic, systemic & ocular physiology, basic & ocular biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, genetics) in optometric education by encouraging & supporting the sharing and development of improved teaching and assessment strategies.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Foster collaboration among the optometry schools to
- Strive for greater uniformity regarding the scope of teaching
- Share ideas regarding the application of basic science principles in clinical courses and conversely, the integration of clinical cases/correlates in basic science courses.
- Discuss how to best stimulate student interest in integrating knowledge of the basic sciences with patient care.
- Discuss the qualifications of the faculty teaching the basic biomedical science courses at the different schools (PhD. vs. OD vs. Ph.D., O.D. – pros and cons)
Pool the resources of the basic biomedical science educators who are teaching at optometry schools to allow exchange of information on teaching strategies, innovations and assessment.
- Share teaching techniques successfully used during lecture and/or lab to maximize student interest and engage the students.
- Share methodologies used to teach the lab portions of courses
- Create a resource bank of examination questions, images and/or cases.
- Develop assessment tools to determine effectiveness of the various teaching methods
Promote excellence in the teaching of the basic biomedical science courses
- Develop new forums for information exchange, available to all educators in optometry
– Facilitate faculty visits to other schools of optometry to experience first-hand different teaching styles and modalities
– Develop webinars and other methods of on-line communication
- Identify impediments to ODs pursuing graduate degrees in the basic biomedical sciences and hiring of non-clinicians with graduate degrees in basic biomedical sciences to teach in Optometry schools.
- Develop critical reviews and evaluations of existing teaching resources, e.g. textbooks, software, models, study guides
- Encourage and support the development of new teaching materials topically related to this section.