The DIT is in danger of losing its optometry degree following a warning from the Opticians Board that it is considering withdrawing accredition from the course, the only such course in the State, writes Olivia Kelly

In a letter to DIT president Dr Brendan Goldsmith dated January 29th, the Opticians Board said serious deficiencies in the BSc optometry degree at DIT Kevin Street may force it to end its approval of the course in the interests of public safety. Without the board's approval the college will no longer be able to offer the degree.

Chief among the board's concerns is the absence of a course head. The college advertised the position as a structured lecturer post (a grade below the lowest senior lecturer grade) last September, but "there were no suitable candidates," says Paul Horan, acting course co-ordinator.

The college sought a lecturer to fill the position on a part-time basis, but had no takers. The post is currently being re-advertised.

"Senior people haven't applied for the job because they believe it should be made into a senior position," he says. The structured lecturer salary starts at €39,631.06, while qualified optometrists can earn in excess of €60,000. "There is a strong case to ask the Department of Education for a more senior grade for the job. For the long-term development of the course, a senior post is justified."

Two other optometry lecturing positions advertised in September were not filled until last month. As a result, all classes for final-year students, which should have resumed on January 14th, were postponed until February 18th.

The Opticians Board also criticised the clinical teaching facilities at Kevin Street, which it said are not adequate for students to reach professional clinical competence.

"The board are unhappy with the level of delivery," says Horan. "The equipment is old and is not being replaced. The building is not suitable, the space needs to be improved for proper training and so that students can see patients in a decent facility."

The board has said that if its concerns are not addressed the DIT will no longer be permitted to offer the course through the CAO.

The Opticians Board has met with the DIT since sending the letter of January 29th. A board meeting of the Opticians Board was held last night to discuss the issue, but no decision had been reached at the time of going to print.