Terms of Reference for the Faculty Development Training on Dispensing Opticianry – On-Campus

Background

The opticianry industry in Pakistan is mostly unregulated and consists of on-the-job trained opticians as there is no formal training program available in the country. This results in poor quality of eyeglasses, weak supply chain and lack of governance and oversight. To address this issue, Two-year accredited Dispensing Opticianry course has been developed and implemented to train professionals in dispensing optics, Lahore. This is the first formally recognized diploma course which is offered in Pakistan. After successful completion of the course, the graduates will be absorbed both in the public and the private sectors. We further aim to strengthening the capacity of faculty through ‘Training of Trainers’ to deliver the dispensing opticianry course effectively.

1.    Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand Opticianry Fundamentals: Understand the essentials of opticianry, including types of frames, lenses, and coatings, as well as measurement techniques and instrumentation.
• Develop Practical Skills: Demonstrate hands-on proficiency in opticianry techniques, including but not limited to frame selection, lens ordering, and expertly fitting single vision, bifocal, progressive, filtered, tinted, polarized, and prism lenses into various frame types, as well as troubleshooting common errors.
• Apply Theory to Practice: Apply theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios, selecting appropriate lenses and frames for patients, and performing accurate measurements and fittings. Demonstrate proficiency in using various opticianry equipment while best applying quality control procedures to ensure accuracy.
• Advanced Patient-Centered Opticianry Skills: Select appropriate lenses and frames for diverse patient needs and prepare glasses with accuracy, including those with higher powers and complex prescriptions. Demonstrate proficiency in accurate measurements and proper fitting techniques to enhance patient comfort and visual outcomes.
• Recent advancements and trends in opticianry: Skilled in applying the latest advancements in optical technology and materials, with practical experience gained from visits to advanced optical lab / shops.

2.    Key Output/ Deliverable 

• Conduct on-campus training sessions to the faculty members as per the proposed duration.
• Plan the training content to cover the practical skills and lab-based components of the course, as approved by the Punjab Medical Faculty, and develop a finalized schedule for the delivery of the training with due approval from the college management.
• Provision of exchange of information and learning resources available with the Consultant.
• Impart the Opticianry course through innovative and out-of-the-box solutions for the practical training part of the course.
• Equip faculty members with the latest and comprehensive dispensing opticianry skills.
• Skills enhancement of faculty team/staff of optical lab at COAVS on equipment maintenance and safety.
• To provide guidance to faculty members for refreshers and continuity of academic program for professional development of trained faculty staff.
• Submission of training report.

3.    Timeline

Total duration of the contract will be 15 working days. Below is the bifurcation of working days:

The in-person training will be conducted at College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), Mayo Hospital Lahore. The trainer will conduct sessions during the first week of May 2025, with 6 hours of training on each working day.

4.    Travel and Accommodation

• Travel and accommodation for the consultant will be arranged and covered by COAVS.
• Daily pick-and-drop services between the hotel and COAVS will be provided.
• 5.    Consultancy Charges

The honorarium per working day will be determined by the hiring committee based on the technical expertise required for effective workshop facilitation. A total of 15 working days will be allocated to complete this assignment.

6.    Additional Costs

Any supplementary costs necessary for the assignment will be communicated to COAVS before finalizing the consultancy terms.

7.    Experience

Preference will be given to candidates with minimum 07-year of experience with the optical industry, particularly those with established connections to reputable international eyewear companies and the ability to engage them in the workshop.

•   Teaching/training experience in dispensing opticianry.

•   Ability to design and deliver interactive and participatory training program.

•   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

•   Proven experience in working as “Optician”