Admission

School of Optometry

Master in Vision Sciences - Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation (English)
Program structure

Consult the program description

Graduate 2-656-1-2

Course listing

Official title
Type Maîtrise ès sciences (M. Sc.)
Number 2-656-1-2

The Masters is composed of 45 credits.  It is offered under the option of Visual Impairment & Rehabilitation option (Segment 72)

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Segment 72 Relating to the Visual Impairment & Rehabilitation option

The credits in this option are distributed as follows : 22 compulsory credits, of which 5 are attributed to the completion of a directed research project, and 23 optional credits.

Block 72A

Compulsory – 15 credits

IDV 6017 Psychosocial Aspects of Visual Impairment

Examination of psychosocial factors associated with the loss of vision and visual impairment; needs specifically related to social integration; providing assistance.

Evening course 3 Credits

IDV 6020 Functional Aspects of Visual Pathology

Examination of the anatomical structures of the visual system and their normal physiological functions as well as impairment-causing pathologies. The most prevalent visual disorders in terms of their locus, effects, and treatments.

 

Day course 3 Credits

IDV 6024 Rehabilitation Services in Visual Impairment

Presentation of the history, evolution, and current role of various disciplines involved in vision rehabilitation. Survey of current service provision networks.

Day course 3 Credits

IDV 6025 Visual Impairment & Related Disabilities

Physical and psychological conditions that may occur together with visual impairment and have an impact on the educational and rehabilitation services provided to children and adults.  The course explores functional implications of additional disabilities, medical conditions, and health issues.

 

3 Credits

IDV 6038 Visual Impairment Across the Lifespan

Analysis of the elements to be considered before any intervention with various clients from the perspective of their physical, motor, cognitive, professional, social and emotional development.

 

Evening course 3 Credits

Block 72B1 Concentration Orientation & Mobility

Optional – 23 credits

IDV 6003 Fundamentals of Orientation & Mobility

Fundamentals in the acquisition of movement skills. An introduction to the principles of concept development, spatial orientation, and environmental analysis related to independent travel by individuals who are visually impaired.

 

3 Credits

IDV 6004 Intervention Strategies in Orientation & Mobility

Functional assessment and analysis of travel needs, developing individual rehabilitation programs and intervention strategies that are pertinent to the client population at large.

 

Day course 3 Credits

IDV 6007A Internship in Orientation & Mobility 1

Observational internship examining individual interventions designed for children, working-age adults and the elderly who are visually impaired.

 

2 Credits

IDV 6007B Internship in Orientation & Mobility 2

Application of knowledge and skills in a rehabilitation environment. Students will demonstrate their competency through pedagogical activities and through their intervention strategies and the provision of services.

6 Credits

IDV 6016 Low Vision & Mobility

The functional impact of low vision on mobility. Principles of optics and magnification. Environmental factors. Skills, strategies and training in the use of optical assistive devices.

Day course 3 Credits

IDV 6031 Assessment in Orientation & Mobility

Examination and practice of methods available to assess the visual status of a visually impaired person in a multi-sensory context.

3 Credits

IDV 6032 Simulation & Techniques in Orientation & Mobility

This course will allow students to experience traveling in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings under blindfold and a variety of simulated vision losses.  The course will also address instructional strategies.

3 Credits

Block 72B2 Concentration Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

Optional – 23 credits

IDV 6015A Internship in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy 1

Observational internship in the evaluation and intervention in visual impairment. The internships will be carried out at rehabilitation centers in Quebec or in branches of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Ottawa and Cornwall.

2 Credits

IDV 6015B Internship in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy 2

Through established links with the rehabilitative environment, students are introduced to all of the professional issues associated with service provision in visual impairment. They begin to develop their identity and professional autonomy.

 

6 Credits

IDV 6026 Assessment in Vision Rehabilitation

Examination and practice of methods available to assess a visually impaired person at the outset of the rehabilitative process, including disciplinary evaluation as well as specific measures of visual function and functional vision.

3 Credits

IDV 6027 Braille and Visual Impairment

Competence in the reading, writing, and teaching of uncontracted and contracted braille. Students learn how to read braille both visually and tactually. Practical applications in daily life.

3 Credits

IDV 6028 Computer-based Assistive Technology I

Students learn how to evaluate the best reading and writing modality (visual, auditory or tactile) and to teach the use of visual, tactile, and auditory devices.

 

3 Credits

IDV 6029 Computer-based Assistive Technology II

Study of environmental adaptation methods and strategies in the use of equipment, software, and resources for computer accessibility by blind and visually impaired individuals. Course includes theoretical presentations and laboratory work.

3 Credits

IDV 6030 Living with Visual Impairment

This course addresses the theoretical and practical concepts involved in all activities of daily life and the assistive devices and strategies involved to improve functional vision.

3 Credits

Block 72B3 Concentration Low Vision

Optional – 23 credits

IDV 6030 Living with Visual Impairment

This course addresses the theoretical and practical concepts involved in all activities of daily life and the assistive devices and strategies involved to improve functional vision.

3 Credits

IDV 6033 Assessment in Low Vision

This course examines the battery of methods available to assess the function of the visual systems of people affected by a visual impairment. 

3 Credits

IDV 6034 Low Vision Intervention I – Enhancing Visual Function

Exploring methods and strategies for enhancing visual performance without optical or hi-tech assistive devices. Lectures will introduce and explain rehabilitative interventions such as eccentric viewing training.

 

3 Credits

IDV 6035 Low Vision Intervention II – Optical Devices

This course presents visual strategies enhancing functional vision of children, adults and elderly with the use of optical devices, magnification, and/or enhancement systems.

 

3 Credits

IDV 6036 Low Vision Intervention III – High-Tech Devices

This course explores the visual strategies enhancing functional vision of children, adults and elderly with the use of visual electronic assistive devices and computers.

3 Credits

IDV 6037A Low Vision Internship I

Observational internship in evaluation and intervention in low vision. Internships will be carried out in rehabilitation centers in Quebec, in private clinics, or in hospital settings.

2 Credits

IDV 6037B Low Vision Internship 2

Internship offers the student an environment in which to consolidate his/her acquired knowledge in the area of low vision, integrated into the more general rehabilitation in visual impairment.

6 Credits

Block 72C

Compulsory - 1 credit

SCV 60012 Research Seminar 2

Oral presentation of students’ research projects accompanied by a written document.

1 Credits

Block 72D

Optional - 1 credit

BIE 6046 Introduction : Ethics in Research

Biomedical developments and research ethics; major regulatory texts; the analysis of ethical issues; ethical assessment of a research protocol.

 

1 Credits

MMD 6005 Ethics and Health Research

Biomedical developments and research ethics; major regulatory texts; ethics reports and techno-science; ethical assessment of a project; scientific integrity of the researcher.

 

1 Credits

Block 72E Directed Research Project

Compulsory - 5 credits

SCV 68001 Directed Research Project 1

0 Credits

SCV 68002 Directed Research Project 2

0 Credits

SCV 68003 Directed Research Project 3

Graduate research project of an experimental or clinical nature leading to the submission of a scientific report.

5 Credits