Optometrist/ Mobility Instructor

RIGHTS Project: Inclusion, Accessibility & Opportunities for the

Differently Abled in Tamil Nadu

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ENGAGEMENT OF

Optometrist/ Mobility Instructor- One Stop Social Care Service Centre

1. BASIC DETAILS

TENKASI –I) KADAYANALLUR II) M.N. NALLUR
Duty Station :

CHENNAI- I) SHOLINGANALLUR II) TEYNAMPET

TENKASI –2 (Two)
No of Engagements :

CHENNAI- 2 (Two)

Language
: English & Tamil

Required/preferred

Duration of Contract : 24 months (Renewable subject to performance)

Reporting Officer : Centre Manager-OSC

2. BACKGROUND

i. As per the Census (2011), Tamil Nadu is the sixth most populous state in India

with a population of 72 million, which includes a proportion (1.63 percent) of

Differently Abled Persons compared to the national average of 2.21 percent. A

study that used pooled data from the District Level Household Survey-4 (2012-

13) and Annual Health Survey 2nd updating round (2012-13) reveals that there are

4550 differently abled persons amongst every 100,000 population in Tamil Nadu,

thereby indicating a much higher prevalence of disability in comparison to the

census data. Therefore, if one goes by the estimates of this recent study, about 3.2

million people in Tamil Nadu would live with some form of disability. Moreover,

even these estimations appear on the lower side, significantly since the definition

and type of disabilities have changed to include a larger population group since

the promulgation of the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities Act, 2016

ii. Differently Abled Persons (DAPs) with disabilities face multiple socio-economic

constraints, including poorer health outcomes, lower education levels, limited

economic participation, and higher poverty rates than persons without disabilities.

They often experience exclusion and barriers in accessing health services,

education, employment, transportation, information, care, and rehabilitation

services. Furthermore, households with disabled members are more likely to

experience material hardships–food insecurity, poor housing, lack of access to safe

water and sanitation, and inadequate access to healthcare. Thus, these limitations

and barriers hinder their full and effective participation in society and affect the

country's productive potential, the human capital. In order to increase human

capital and reduce the achievement gap among people with disabilities, a

coordinated and comprehensive package of interventions appears warranted for

addressing the individual and community contexts at multiple and systemic levels.

iii. Tamil Nadu has always been a pioneer in the implementation of welfare schemes

for all sections of socially disadvantaged groups. Through its various initiatives

and schemes, the Department for the Welfare of the Differently Abled (DWDAP)

has extended full support to the differently abled people in their pursuit of full and

equal involvement in every aspect of society. The DWDAP is mainly responsible

for all administrative, statutory and service delivery functions, which are

implemented through its well-experienced workforce at the state, district and local

levels. The thrust areas of the DWDAP are prevention and early interventions,

special education, employment & vocational training, social security

(maintenance allowance, travel concession, assistance to NGOs), aids &

appliances, and barrier-free structure. Recently, DWDAP conducted a pilot project

in a few blocks of the state and has identified a need for a multi-sectoral, whole-

government, and capacity-building approach to care and rehabilitation of the

differently abled.

iv. The RIGHTS Project focuses on three pillars: first, promote inclusion of all by

ensuring that persons with disabilities participate equally with others in any

activity and service intended for the general public, such as education, health,

employment, and social services; second, improve the access of specialised

programs by investing in specific measures for quality care, rehabilitation and

support services; and third, provide opportunities for persons with disabilities for

completion of education, skills training and market-linked employment

opportunities. However, to manage the project at the proposed scale, substantial

efforts would be required to build the current institutional capacity of the DWDAP

at all levels in terms of field units for administration, service delivery, supervision

and monitoring, along with the autonomous capacity.

v. The project would be managed through the Directorate for Welfare of the

Differently Abled (DWDA), led by the Project Director (PD) RIGHTS project

cum Director, DWDA, in the future also referred to as PD, and would have a

team of consultants. District Project Implementation Unit in each district will

oversee the activities at the district level headed by District Differently Abled

Welfare Officer (DDAWO). It will have a team of District Project Officers.

vi. To provide the overall process coordination of successful delivery of the RIGHTS

project, the DWDA for its RIGHTS PROJECT is seeking an interested and

qualified person to be engaged as an Optometrist/Mobility Instructor in the One

Stop Social Care Service centre in each subdivision during the project

implementation.

3 i OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

Under the supervision of the Centre Manager -OSC, the incumbent will be

responsible for the activities related to eye testing and visual stimulation for

the differently abled.

Perform eye exams to identify any problems in your vision. Mobility

Instructor teach individuals with visual impairments to travel safely,

confidently, and independently in their environment.

ii The roles and responsibilities of the Optometrist/Mobility Instructor rae as

follows,

Examining Daps eyes and conducting diagnostic tests to assess ocular health

and determine the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities.

Testing visual functions using specialised instruments and equipment for

measuring visual acuity and refractive error, the function of visual pathways,

visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure.

Prescribing corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids, and

checking optical devices for performance, safety, comfort and lifestyle.

Detecting and diagnosing eye movement disorders and defects of binocular

function, and planning and managing treatment programs, including

counselling DAPs and their families in eye exercises to coordinate movement,

and focusing of eyes.

Detecting, diagnosing, and managing eye disease, including prescribing

medications for the treatment of eye disease.

Consulting with and referring DAPs to Ophthalmologists if additional medical

treatment is necessary in relating to eyes.

Advising on visual health matters such as contact lens care, vision care, optics,

visual ergonomics, and occupational and industrial eye safety.

Provide instruction in orientation & mobility support to DAPs as referred by

Case Manager using the standard methods and techniques.

Instruct DAPs on related subjects/ issues including but not limited to use of

certified low vision, electronic mobility aids such as long canes, iindependent

living services, vocational services, Braille, keyboarding and computer

technology training, and orientation and mobility services.

Provide instruction/ guidance and mentor DAPs in problem solving

techniques, direction finding and use of electronic devices for analyzing

surroundings.

Orient DAPs to their physical environment through maximum development

and utilization of their remaining senses

Conduct individual and/or group training in local surroundings of village/

block/ district. Instruction is to include, but not limited to the use of public

transportation, public facilities, stairs, revolving entry gates to public places

and other related obstructing features they may come across in daily life.

Prepare tactual and auditory maps and instruct beneficiaries in their proper

use to help them identify and understand their localities.

Evaluate beneficiary’s functional, physical, and mental capabilities, as related

to mobility and orientation.

Determine individual’s need for physical conditioning.

Address and conduct workshops for interested beneficiaries as and when

required.

Train the block team in eye-related issues and provide support services to the

block team.

Need to deliver tele consultation when needed as per schedule.

Need to travel in mobile unit for assessment and needed treatment.

Any other relevant task/ activity as assigned by the Subdivision Officer for

Differently abled.

4 REPORTING AND REVIEW

The Optometrist/Mobility Instructor will report to Centre Manager-OSC

5 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Optometrist/Mobility Instructor requires dynamic, experienced, and analytical

professionals with demonstrated experience in programs related to disability.

i) Optometrist/Mobility Instructors should possess a Bachelor / master’s degree in

optometry from a UGC recognized University.

ii) Preferably 3 years of post-qualification for Master’s degree / 5 years Post-

qualification for Bachelor degree experience in areas relating to service delivery for

persons with disabilities, particularly in care, support, and rehabilitation services is

preferred.

iii) Demonstrated understanding of centre-based rehabilitation activities related to

Special Education

• Preference will be given to Differently Abled Person

6. Skills Required

Capability to assess, evaluate and generate reports in eye testing aspects of the

differently abled people.

Candidate must be a good observant, patient and reliable with a desire to work

with persons with disabilities.

Computer proficiency and good knowledge of MS-office, or equivalent

computer applications are required.

Able to read and write Tamil and English.

Ability to work in teams and liaise well with others.

7. Remuneration

i) The remuneration for the Optometrist/Mobility Instructor would be Rs. 35,000 per

month. Only travel expenses will be paid additionally as per actuals. The Special

Educator will be located at Subdivision level OSC during the contract period.

Optometrist/Mobility Instructors may require travelling as per Project

requirements.

ii) Optometrist/Mobility Instructors will have to attend OSC on all working days

unless on an official tour as approved by the Centre Manager-OSC.

Optometrist/Mobility Instructor may also be required to attend an office or travel

in a mobile unit for assessment and treatment on holidays as and when desired by

PD/DPIU/SPIU/other higher officials for disposal of urgent matters. However, no

extra remuneration will be paid for attending the office on holidays.