• Creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment;
• Increasing the learner’s self-directedness and independence;
• Assisting learners to assume increasing personal responsibility for lifelong learning.

Curriculum Objectives
On completion of the program, the ophthalmic nurse practitioner will be able to:

• Function as a transformational leader in ophthalmic nursing practice settings;
• Effectively apply the generic principles of management within the ophthalmic nursing practice;
• Use advanced technologies effectively in the area of specialization;
• Utilise research findings in practice, and participate meaningfully in research projects.

Attributes
The ophthalmic nurse practitioner should be able to demonstrate the following personal, professional, and academic characteristics:
Attitudes necessary for the achievement of high standards of practice should include:

• intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to assume responsibility for the acquisition of knowledge, the development of skills for self-education, and the continued development of clinical skills and critical analysis of information for the life-long learning demanded by a career in the health field;
• effective communication across professional boundaries and a willingness to collaborate and share specialist knowledge, skills, and values at all times;
• the awareness of one’s own limitations and the need to seek help where necessary;
• willingness to be self-critical and to develop the capacity for self-evaluation and participation in the peer review process;
• traits such as integrity, empathy, caring, compassion, patience, gentleness, culture and gender sensitivity, acceptance of diversity, respect for patients’ rights, personal honesty, open communication with and responsiveness to people of all ages, families, and communities;
• commitment to ethical practice;
• willingness to adapt to change and tolerate uncertainty

The following core knowledge:

1. Biosciences are foundational to ophthalmic nursing practice: – this module enables learners to explore the links between biosciences and ophthalmic nursing practice. Main concepts include relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and optics;
2. Ophthalmic nursing in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings:- this module is aimed at the acquisition of knowledge (terms, concepts, principles), skills, and attitudes related to ophthalmic nursing practice in primary care settings.  The intention is the development of a clear understanding of the reasons for every action and the progressive development of professional and skillful practice.