Transforming Optometric Pedagogy at the Emeryville Clinic with Logitech and Zoom

Overview

The Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) aimed to accelerate its transition to hyflex education and establish a sustainable hybrid learning model that maintained equal access for all students. The construction of a new clinic, set to open in mid-2026, presented an opportunity to reimagine medical facilities with state-of-the-art AV systems powered by leading cloud-based platforms like Zoom. By combining cloud technology with Logitech video conferencing solutions, the school gained an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional audiovisual solutions, along with enhanced features that improved the overall learning experience.

Berkeley
Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

SCHOOL
UC Berkeley School of Optometry and Vision Science, Emeryville Clinic

ESTABLISHED
1868

BRANCH
Higher education

SOLUTIONS
Logitech Rally Bar
Logitech Rally Streamline Kit
Logitech Tap IP
Logitech Scribe
Logitech Spotlight
Logitech Rally Mic Pods
Zoom® Rooms with HIPAA-compliant integrations

Challenge

The School of Optometry & Vision Science at UC Berkeley sought to modernize optometric education by transitioning from expensive, outdated AV systems to familiar platforms like Zoom and Logitech. Traditional AV systems were not only costly to implement and maintain but also lacked the flexibility to support evolving educational needs. In contrast, cloud-based solutions offered a cost-effective, scalable, and adaptable alternative, enabling the creation of dynamic hybrid learning environments.

During the initial exploration of the project, several key limitations in the existing infrastructure became apparent:

• High Implementation and Maintenance Costs: Traditional systems required significant investment for implementation and upkeep. These expenses posed challenges during a period of budget constraints and limited resources.
• Lack of Flexibility: Existing setups struggled to adapt to the diverse requirements of in-person, remote, and hybrid educational scenarios, particularly in medical education where seamless transitions and adaptable demonstrations are crucial.
• Barriers to Collaboration: Remote and hyflex learners faced difficulties in participating effectively, hindering their engagement in patient simulations, live demonstrations, and interactive clinical training.

Faced with these challenges, the School of Optometry & Vision Science at UC Berkeley launched an initiative to fundamentally transform its future learning spaces, prioritizing cost-effective, highly scalable solutions that could adapt to current and future needs.

Solution

To address these obstacles, Matthieu Kaminski, Program Director for the Office of Virtual Learning Initiatives at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, turned to Logitech and Zoom. He needed tools that could meet the demands of modern optometric education while delivering immediate results.

Kaminski is currently implementing over 40 Zoom Rooms to create flexible teaching and treatment spaces. These setups support hybrid teaching, immersive learning, and the potential for telehealth integration, enhancing both in-person and remote learning experiences. The solution includes:

Logitech Rally Bar Mini: Known for its user-friendliness and ability to support dynamic collaboration. The video bars provide audio and video clarity, creating engaging environments for live medical simulations and telehealth workshops.

Logitech Rally Camera Streamline Kit: Designed for examination rooms, collaboration spaces, and small to medium-sized classrooms. The kit can be integrated with Logitech Sync for device and room management, enabling remote diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Logitech Tap IP: Simplifies navigation and provides intuitive control for course leaders.

Zoom: Features HIPAA-compliant capabilities that enable virtual health assessments, allowing students and faculty to combine training sessions with real-world applications.

"Logitech and Zoom provided us with ready-to-go solutions that allowed us to create engaging, scalable learning environments almost immediately. In a time of uncertainty, reliability is invaluable." - MATTHIEU KAMINSKI

Results

The shift to cloud-based systems ensures scalability, enhances the user experience, and enables broader access to educational offerings, including telehealth. The success of this transformation serves as an inspiration for other institutions to implement similar cloud-based AV solutions, thereby providing equitable and future-proof learning environments.

Key transformative highlights include:

• Scalable Infrastructure: With Zoom Rooms and Logitech systems, UC Berkeley Optometry has expanded its capacity for hybrid education at minimal cost, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Inclusivity: Technology-driven solutions provided equal reference points for in-room and remote learners, allowing student communities to engage more deeply with course material.
• Cost Savings and Efficiency: Unlike traditional systems, Logitech's technology minimized routine maintenance, significantly reducing operational costs.
• Broader Access: Remote learning capabilities allowed students from underserved regions to participate in first-class medical education programs, emphasizing inclusivity.

The success of Berkeley's initiative has created a blueprint for institutions worldwide. With the help of scalable tools like Logitech and Zoom, the school's clinic in Emeryville demonstrates how modern AV systems can replace outdated infrastructure to provide flexible, cost-effective, and engaging learning environments.

"This journey underscores the importance of collaboration and adaptability. We look forward to building on this success and inspiring others." - MATTHIEU KAMINSKI