Transforming Medical Education at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

Five Years of Growth: University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry & Vision Science

Overview

The School of Optometry & Vision Science Online Live Continuing Education program at the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley) marks its fifth anniversary. It has transformed from a crisis-driven solution to a sustainable and thriving initiative. Developed under the guidance of the Office of Virtual Learning Initiatives at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, the program has established a robust foundation for hybrid medical and optometry education. The initiative utilizes leading Learning Management Systems (LMS) and advanced audiovisual (AV) tools to enhance access, teaching excellence, and adaptability for optometry professionals globally.

School: UC Berkeley School of Optometry & Vision Science

Founded: 1868

Industry: Higher education

Solutions: Logitech Rally Bar, Logitech Rally Streamline Kit, Logitech Tap IP, Logitech Scribe, Logitech Spotlight, Logitech Rally Mic Pods, Zoom® Rooms

Challenge

The initial disruption caused by COVID-19 presented profound and urgent challenges for learning institutions worldwide. As the pandemic shifted education from in-person to virtual environments, the Continuing Education program and its leadership faced the daunting task of transitioning resources with minimal preparation. Traditional educational methodologies were disrupted, forcing staff to rely on makeshift solutions like DIY studios and basic video conferencing tools.

Immediate obstacles demanded innovative thinking and resilience, including:

The need to shift to remote education: A sudden requirement to transition from in-person classes and events to online formats for medical professionals.
Resource scarcity: Limited preparation time meant the program relied on DIY studios and Zoom webinars for continuity.
Engagement challenges: Sustaining learner motivation and focus on user experience in virtual environments became a core focus for program leaders.

While functional, these temporary measures highlighted gaps in scalability and technological infrastructure amidst surging demands for accessible, high-quality education. Maintaining student engagement and fostering meaningful connections between educators and learners required innovative approaches to sustain interactions within virtual platforms. These challenges catalyzed the program's transformation into a sustainable, future-proof model.

"What initially seemed like an insurmountable challenge five years ago has led to a proven model for delivering high-quality education through innovation and technology, setting the stage for future growth."
- Matthieu Kaminski, Program Director

Solution

With the need to transition from in-person learning to an entirely virtual format, the program adopted a combination of Logitech and Zoom technology. By pairing Logitech's intuitive, user-friendly video collaboration tools with Zoom's reliable platform, the team established a seamless remote learning experience for medical and optometry professionals rapidly.

"Our ability to pivot and utilize available resources-despite the circumstances-was a testament to our team's resilience and dedication to keeping education accessible. The combination of Logitech and Zoom helped us achieve almost immediate success with their turnkey, intuitive solutions that were already designed with remote participation in mind."
- Matthieu Kaminski

The simplicity and accessibility of these tools provided immediate functionality while laying the groundwork for deeper refinements in the program's delivery and scalability.

Proof of concept and pilot

The program initially experimented with DIY studio setups, incorporating Zoom Rooms and the Logitech Rally Bar system to support remote education. Using a makeshift audio capture card paired with a boom mic, the team developed a functional solution for delivering lessons. Continuous feedback and iterative refinements led to structured pilot programs that improved teaching methods and enhanced student engagement strategies.

Implementing LMS for streamlined operations

A learning management system was implemented to simplify the learner journey from enrollment to certification. This platform centralizes administrative tasks, course listings, transactions, communication with remote students, and certificate management, improving both accessibility and program delivery.

Integrating advanced AV solutions

The program adopted state-of-the-art AV systems leveraging the Logitech Rally Camera Streamline Kit, Logitech Rally Bar, Logitech Rally mic pods, Logitech Tap IP, and Logitech Scribe. These tools enable hybrid classrooms to thrive, fostering a seamless integration between in-person and virtual interactions.

Wider reach and inclusion

The program expanded its focus to optometry continuing education, addressing critical gaps in professional development and broadening its audience on a global scale.

Results

The Online Live Executive Education program celebrates five transformative years, affirming its role in reshaping medical and optometry education. Supported by the Office of Virtual Learning Initiatives and the wider resources of UC Berkeley, the approach serves as a model for institutions seeking to innovate, scale, and drive meaningful impact in higher education.

"By combining technology with a learner-centric approach, we have strengthened education for professionals in medicine and optometry, reinforcing our institutional mission to innovate and inspire locally and globally."
- Matthieu Kaminski

"This journey underscores the importance of collaboration and adaptability. As we look ahead, we are excited to expand on this success and inspire others to invest in a brighter, more inclusive educational future.”
- Matthieu Kaminski

This swift integration allowed continuing education courses to proceed without interruption, ensuring connectivity and engagement at a time when consistency mattered most. The program stands out as an example of resilience and innovation, achieving impactful milestones:

A global audience: From local communities to international learners, the program created equitable access to top-tier continued education.
Technological excellence: Cutting-edge tools helped ensure seamless interactions, such as advanced AV features bridging physical and virtual learning environments.
Longevity: The program's successful implementation established it as a permanent offering within the school's educational repertoire.

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