Advanced Anterior Eye Disease Management

Subject OPTO90006 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: N/A Online delivery
Total Time Commitment:

A total time of about 192-216 hours of study can be expected across the period of a 25 point, semester-long subject.
The time spent each week will vary according the tasks that are to be completed in a particular week.

The following is a guide to an approximate breakdown:
Reading (books, articles, on-line material) 4- 5 hrs/wk
Self Reflective Study, including integration of content into clinical practice 6 - 8 hrs/wk
Online Contribution 3 hrs/wk
Assignments and Assessment Preparation 2 - 3 hrs/wk

Total: 16-18 hrs/week or 192-216 hrs/semester

Prerequisites:

Expected level of knowledge is that of a 4 year Optometry qualification.

Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Optometrists will be expected to have a level of understanding of anterior eye disease pathophysiology, diagnosis and management consistent with that delivered in a four-year Optometry degree. Access to appropriate undergraduate course materials in these key areas will be available to assist optometrists assess their level of background knowledge.

Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Alex Gentle

Contact

Email: agentle@unimelb.edu.au

Science Student Centre
Eastern Precinct
University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
AUSTRALIA

Telephone +61 3 8344 6404
Facsimile +61 3 8344 5803
Web: http://www.science.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will allow optometrists to advance their clinical capabilities in the day-to-day management of eye disease by affording them the opportunity to review the most current theories on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of anterior eye disease, thus preparing them to better embrace changes in the scope of optometric practice. Given the explosion in the literature of health sciences, the course will concentrate on helping optometrists to develop a deeper understanding of a select group of common anterior eye diseases. It is expected that optometrists will, as a result, develop enhanced clinical capabilities in these areas. The course will also provide optometrists with the tools necessary to develop a deeper, evidence-based understanding in other eye diseases of their choosing, thus empowering them to improve their clinical skills across a gamut of anterior eye disease.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrist should:

  1. have a more detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostic issues and evidence-based best-practice management of common anterior eye diseases
  2. have demonstrated a capacity to identify, synthesise and evaluate appropriate scientific information such that they may construct a deeper knowledge of any ocular disease process
  3. have demonstrated their capacity to interpret and integrate information from a variety of sources (such as patient presentation details, scientific, clinical and technical literature), thus allowing the most appropriate patient management decisions
  4. have demonstrated enhanced knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques or instrumentation
  5. have advanced their clinical skills and developed a flexibility of outlook such that they are better prepared for future paradigm shifts in the scope of optometric management of anterior eye disease
Assessment:

Critical Appraisal of Literature, 2,000 words, due week 6 - 25%
Wiki Diagnostic Equipment, 1,000 words, due week 9 - 10%
Case Scenario, 2,000 words, due start exam period - 25%
Case Report + Peer Review, 2,500 words, due end exam period - 30%
Ongoing online contribution - 10%

Prescribed Texts:

Enrolled optometrists will be directed to research articles, review chapters and articles and case studies, both published and online.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject the enrolled optometrist should:

  • have developed an advanced understanding of a changing knowledge base and improved their capacity to evaluate the professional and scientific literature associated with this knowledge
  • have developed a flexibility of approach enabling them to better respond to a background of rapidly changing information
  • have developed their capacity to manage competing demands on their time and enhanced their capacity for self-directed work
  • have developed an understanding of the value of advanced knowledge and improved technology to both a professional and wider community
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry

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