Innovative Teaching Provides Insight into the Patient's Daily Life

What does it feel like to live with impaired vision? Students in the Specialist Nursing Programme focusing on Ophthalmic Care at Halmstad University had the chance to find out during a workshop in the Health Lab. Using glasses that simulate various eye diseases and age-related limitations, they gained insight into the everyday challenges faced by people with vision impairments. The exercise was not only a thought-provoking course introduction but also a way to deepen their understanding of patients' life situations – a crucial perspective for their future professional careers.

During autumn, students in the Specialist Nursing Programme focusing on Ophthalmic Care had the opportunity to experience what it is like to live with impaired vision. In a workshop held at Halmstad University’s Health Lab, they tried on glasses that simulated various eye diseases. The purpose of the workshop was to provide students with a deeper understanding of what it might be like to live with reduced vision.

From Theory to Empathy

To give the students a deeper understanding of how eye diseases and aging can impact daily life, they were tasked with performing everyday activities while wearing the simulation glasses during their course introduction.

“We believe this is an excellent way to introduce the students. At the same time, it helps them get to know each other, which is important since they come from different parts of the country. Much of the programme is distance-based, and we see the benefits of fostering a social study environment through activities like this,” says Jeanette Källstrand, Programme Director for the Specialist Nursing Programme focusing on Ophthalmic Care.

Tasks such as pouring water or peeling carrots suddenly became significant challenges. Many students were surprised by how difficult it was to perform simple tasks with limited vision. Jeanette highlights the importance of understanding what patients may experience and explains:

“Even though we can never fully comprehend it, the students can at least gain an insight into the various challenges people face in everyday life. They also have the chance to pause and reflect on things we often take for granted. After all, they will encounter patients with varying degrees of vision impairment, as well as the anxiety patients may feel when something happens to their sight.”

GERT Provides a Deeper Understanding of Ageing

The glasses explored by the students are part of the age simulation suit GERT (Gerontological Test Suit) – a suit designed to mimic the experience of ageing.

GERT can be used for training healthcare professionals, managing occupational health, or improving living conditions, products, and services for older adults. In addition to the glasses, the suit includes a weighted vest, other weights, special shoes and hearing protectors. GERT simulates common limitations associated with ageing, such as reduced vision and hearing, as well as impaired balance and muscle strength. Its aim is to provide students with a deeper understanding of how ageing impacts both vision and other physical functions.

The suit is available for loan through Leap for Life to support innovative education.

“The suit is often used at fairs and in training sessions. This autumn it has, for example, been lent out to the Preventive Unit of the Social Services in Varberg Municipality for training care staff as part of the national initiative Äldrelyftet,” says Virginia Wiman, Project Manager at Leap for Life.