Job Description

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.