Service Learning: Optometric Consultantship.

Background: This program puts optometric service learning theory into practice and
shows that it is effective in fulfilling an official requirement for the doctor of optometry
curriculum. This program develops a relationship with a community organization, Cherry
Street Health Services, whereby a professional consultantship provides optometric
expertise in the area of optometric examination of the diabetic patient. Methods: Extensive literature search via pub med revealed few formal service learning programs in optometry. Consultation with senior project advisor yielded an outline for a service learning program that would meet graduation requirements. Contact of community
agency was performed via telephone through a pre-existing professional relationship
between the community contact person and optometry students authoring this project.
The community contact person defined a problem as lack of provider resources. Through
consultation with the community contact the concept of a user-friendly diabetic compendium for use and reproduction as needed was developed. Web and literature research of the American Optometric Association and American Diabetic Association standards of care provided the basis for the developed diabetic eye care manual. Professional consultation with senior project advisor, community contact person, and licensed optometrists practicing the current standards provided structure, feedback, and experiential input for the project. Results: Journal composition, including citations and references, of student reflection, outcomes, and measures provides organized documentation of the program. The final product is presented as "The Diabetic Eye Care Manual for Student Interns at Cherry Street Health Services". Conclusions: Supervisory assessment yields successful completion of requirements for the service learning program, the senior research project, and graduation. The community liaison approves the final product as sustainable, and reports satisfaction with the quality. Student participants have new perspective on professional relationships between health care
providers, more extensive knowledge of diabetic eye disease, and greater appreciation for
community service.