Title:
A Pilot Study on Assessing the Role of Various Learning Methods Among the Optometry Students: A Futuristic Scenario in Optometry Education

Authors:
Salal Khan, Arbina Tayyab, Fatmi Zehra, Umariya Asif, Nikahat Parveen, Jamshed Ali, Sunil Kumar Gupta, India

Abstract:

Purpose- This study aims to assess the role of various learning methods among optometry students, identifying preferred methods, effectiveness, and challenges.

Method-A cross-sectional survey was administered to the optometry students to assess their preferences for traditional lectures, online modules, and practical workshops in clinical optometry education through self-structured questionnaires. We enrolled 100 participants (male=40 and female=60) from different years of optometry.

Result- A significant majority of respondents rated their academic performance positively, with 42.5% considering themselves "Good" and 36.3% rating "Excellent", Only a small fraction (2.5%) needed improvement. Online resources-16%, Hands-on clinical training-21%, Traditional classroom lectures-25%, Self-study-18%, Group discussions-12%, AI-based learning tools (simulations, virtual tools)-8%. These findings suggest that while traditional and practical approaches remain valuable, digital resources play an increasingly central role in modern optometry education, 31.3% of participants cited lack of clinical exposure as their biggest challenge, 27.5% had difficulty understanding theoretical concepts, 25% struggled with poor time management, 16.2% experienced limited access to digital learning tools. 67.5% of the respondents reported utilizing mobile apps or software to study optometry, 32.5% did not use any such tools. A majority of students reported scoring in the excellent range, suggesting effective study habits or learning methods i.e. students scored Outstanding- 27% (Over one-fourth of students achieved top-tier academic success), Average– 56%, A smaller but significant portion scored within the average range-16%, Below Average– 1% (Very few students reported poor outcomes).

All factors mentioned were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) with the Pearson Chi-square in SPSS version 21.0.

Conclusion- Assessing the role of various learning methods among optometry students can help identify effective strategies, improve academic performance, and enhance clinical competence. By understanding student preferences and learning outcomes, educators can optimize instructional approaches and better support in student success.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2025.9503