Incorrect working methods in optometrists’ examination rooms may cause problems such as spreading of infections. In addition, untidy working environment may affect on both the examiner’s and patient’s comfort and safety.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences ordered an instruction from us that is based on a self-control plan, which would include guidelines on how to work in the examination rooms, that our degree programme uses. The purpose of this instruction is to improve and unify current working methods among the optometry students. So far, the challenge has been that written instruction in Finnish are not available.

This thesis has been made as a project, that resulted in a guide and an online course for the students. The theoretical framework of our thesis has been gathered using mainly instruction for a self-control plan made by Valvira, which is the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Institution. In addition, internet sources from international optometry organizations were used, because similar material is not available in Finnish. Additionally, the progress of the project has been described with help from Finnish literature.

The guide and the online course give good basic knowledge especially for the students that start working in the examination rooms for the first time. The guide includes instructions for cleaning of the instruments and tools, personal hygiene, maintenance of tidiness and access control, and preservation of drugs and patient records. We also added images to improve the appearance of the guide.

Our goal has been, that the guide and the online course will be used as a part of education in the future. When the Oulu University of Applied Sciences decides to start a clinic for actual patients in the future, our project can be exploited in the making of an official self-control plan that is required then. Oulu University of Applied Sciences has the rights to use the guide and the online course, but both will not be generally distributed for others. To evaluate the project, we have used the feedback from our supervisors and students, and with that help, the project has been completed to its final form.