Graduates must achieve the level of competence provided by the specific professional profiles detailed in the Decree of the Ministry of Health September 14, 1994, n. 743 and subsequent amendments and additions concerning liability of orthoptist-assistants in ophthalmology. The attainment of professional skills is accomplished through a theoretical and practical training which also includes the acquisition of behavioural skills , achieved in the context of the specific profile, so as to ensure, at the end of the course, the full mastery of all necessary skills and their immediate marketability in the workplace. Particular emphasis, as an integral part of vocational training, is given to practical educational activities and clinical training, carried out under the supervision and guidance of professional tutors specially assigned, coordinated by a teacher belonging to the higher level for the professional profile of orthoptist and corresponding to the rules defined at European level if any, and carried out as part of a three-year apprenticeship period of at least 56 credits. Graduates of the class carry out their professional activities in local public, private and/or accredited health facilities, and in home care both as employees or freelance.
Since the learning activities of the degree course aim at providing students with an adequate command of general scientific methods and contents, as well as the acquisition of specific professional knowledge in the area of science orthotic, they:
• include lectures and activities in the context of introductory science, biology and psychology, orthoptics and ophthalmologic assistance, medicine and surgery, prevention and health services, interdisciplinary clinics, health management, interdisciplinary science, human and psycho-pedagogical sciences;
• are further characterized by the teachings and activities and vocational training, directly related to the profession of orthoptist;
• include, in relation to specific objectives, the advanced study of some of the teachings and activities, with hands-on activities and vocational training at public health facilities and possibly also private and/or credited ones, as well as periods of study at other Italian and foreign universities within the framework of international agreements.
For this purpose the CDL can create a training network with other structures by the University of Palermo, in order to ensure the completion of the offer for theoretical as well as for practical skills.
Upon completion of the degree course, graduates in Orthotics and Ophthalmologic Care, according to the educational programme, must achieve the expertise provided by the Ministerial Decree:
• in the treatment, prescribed by a doctor, of motor and sensory disorders of vision.
• in the execution of the techniques of instrumental semiotics in Ophthalmology.
• in the organization, planning and evaluation of the quality of the professional activities undertaken within the framework of their duties.
• in direct participation to the updating of their professional profile and research.