Theoretical-Practical Model for Professional Development to Improve the Performance of Optometry and Optics Technologists in the Use of Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Differentiation of Student’s Curricula

Introduction: Health problems in Cuba and around the world impose a need for workers to update their knowledge.The development of technical and professional skills facilitates performance appropriate to their work area through professional development.Objective: To evaluate the theoretical and practical professional development model for improving the performance of Optometry and Optics technologists in the use of the Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanner at the Ramn Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023.A validated instrument was administered to 10 specialists.Thirteen components of the model were evaluated using an integrated assessment scale, analyzing their adequacy in terms of foundations, stages, and methods of improvement.Results: 90% of specialists considered the foundations to be very adequate.The stages: diagnosis, planning, execution, and evaluation were rated as very adequate (100%), as were the training methods: specialized conference, course, training program, and integrative workshop.Overall, specialists rated the model as very adequate (95%) and adequate (5%). Conclusions:The theoretical-practical model is adequate and contributes to the prognosis, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular diseases, as well as to the ongoing and continuous development of optometry and optics technologists to enhance their performance in the use of biomedical technologies.