Training activity information
Details
Perform and document the following tests on patients:
- Colour vision
- Contrast sensitivity
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What specific knowledge about colour vision and contrast sensitivity testing (e.g., different test types, normal ranges, common pathologies affecting these functions) do you need to know before embarking on this activity?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with performing and documenting colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests. For example, what practical skills in administering the tests do you want to develop?
- How do you anticipate relating the results to potential underlying conditions?
- Think about what you already know about colour vision and contrast sensitivity testing, including the theoretical basis and any prior experiences. What are the gaps in your knowledge or skills that you hope this activity will address?
- Discuss this training activity with your training officer to ensure you have a clear understanding of the expected procedures for performing and documenting colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests.
- Consider possible challenges you might face during these tests, such as patient understanding of instructions or variations in testing environments. How might you handle these potential challenges to ensure accurate results?
- Identify how you feel about embarking on this training activity. How might these feelings influence your preparation and performance?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions while performing the colour vision test.
- How are you instructing the patient? Why are you choosing a particular test (e.g., Ishihara plates)?
- What decisions are you making as you perform the contrast sensitivity test? Are you adjusting the testing conditions? Why?
- How are you approaching the documentation of the results for both tests?
- What specific information are you recording and why?
- What aspects of performing and documenting these tests feel intuitive to you? What requires more conscious effort?
- How effective are your instructions and techniques in obtaining reliable results for both colour vision and contrast sensitivity?
- What challenges are you facing while performing these tests (e.g., patient understanding, equipment issues)?
- What can you learn about patient responses and potential difficulties as you perform each test?
- How do these tests and the patient responses connect to your existing knowledge of visual function and potential pathologies?
- If the patient is struggling with a particular test, are there alternative approaches you could be considering to assess colour vision or contrast sensitivity?
- What support or guidance might you need in the moment if you encounter unexpected findings or difficulties in performing or documenting the tests?
- Are you ensuring you are working within your scope of practice for performing and documenting these psychophysical tests?
On action
- What were the key steps involved in performing and documenting the colour vision test for the patient(s)?
- What were the key steps involved in performing and documenting the contrast sensitivity test for the patient(s)?
- Did you observe any particular responses from the patient(s) during these tests?
- What aspects of the testing environment or patient interaction stood out to you?
- What challenges, if any, did you encounter while performing or documenting these tests?
- What skills or knowledge related to performing colour vision tests did you develop or improve?
- What skills or knowledge related to performing contrast sensitivity tests did you develop or improve?
- Were there any unexpected findings or difficulties during the tests? What did you learn from these?
- How did your understanding of the purpose and interpretation of colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests deepen as a result of this activity?
- How might the patient’s understanding or ability to cooperate have influenced the results?
- What areas for continued development have you identified in performing or documenting colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests?
- How will you apply what you have learned from this activity to future practice, including other training activities or patient interactions?
- What specific actions will you take to consolidate your learning in this area?
- Do you require any further support or resources to develop your skills in these tests?
Beyond action
- Consider evaluating and re-evaluating your experiences of performing and documenting colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests.
- How has your understanding of the importance of these tests evolved since you first undertook them?
- Compare your experiences with performing these tests to other similar experiences. What observable behaviours and practices related to colour vision and contrast sensitivity testing have you now integrated into your standard approach?
- Recognise that performing and documenting colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests are not isolated activities.
- How has the experience of undertaking these tests contributed to your overall understanding of psychophysical assessment and patient care?
- How might these experiences support you in other training activities, such as case-based discussions or report writing?
- How have you applied your knowledge and skills in performing and documenting colour vision and contrast sensitivity tests in subsequent patient encounters?
- How have your techniques or interpretations developed since these initial experiences? How has this experience influenced your wider approach to visual function testing?
- Identify the transferable skills you developed through this training activity, such as attention to detail in documentation, communication with patients regarding test procedures, and the ability to interpret and relate test results to potential underlying conditions.
- What clear actions can you identify for the continued development of your skills in assessing colour vision and contrast sensitivity, building upon the foundation established by this training activity?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Apply psychophysical tests to measure visual function, including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields and colour vision. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Simulate a prescription in a trial frame. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Employ effective communication with a range of individuals, including the patient and the multidisciplinary team. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Produce clear, concise and accurate documentation in line with local standards and legislation. |