Low Vision - Practice

Subject OPTO90008 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

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

This subject is not offered in 2013.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is available by distance learning in both semester 1 and 2. Completion of Twelve (12) days of clinical work (normally one day per week) is also required.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Candidates must have had at least six (6) months full-time experience in general optometric practice and have passed OPTO90007 Clinical Management of Low Vision before undertaking this subject.
Corequisites:

None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

None
Non Allowed Subjects:

None
Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Contact

Melbourne Graduate School of Science
Faculty of Science
The University of Melbourne

Tel: + 61 3 8344 6404
Fax: +61 3 8344 5803

Web: http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject builds on the knowledge gained in the didactic subject OPTO90007 Clinical Management of Low Vision, and requires the completions of twelve (12) full days of clinical work in a low vision clinic. The clinical work must be undertaken at an approved accredited site, and students should contact the Subject Coordinator to discuss arrangements for clinical placement prior to enrolling in this subject.
Objectives:

On completion of the subject students should:

  • be thoroughly familiar with the diseases that are the main causes of visual disability and blindness;
  • understand the social and personal impact of vision loss and the patterns of behavioural response;
  • be skilled in low vision assessment and management, including the prescription of optical devices and the recommendation of non-optical options;
  • be able to participate as a team member in multi-disciplinary low vision care;
  • have the ability and knowledge to establish a low vision practice;
  • have experience in advanced clinical low vision care.
Assessment:

Three 2,000 word clinical case reports (30%)
A 30-minute oral examination (20%)
A 1-hour clinical examination (50%) in the examination period.
Hurdle requirement: students must complete and submit a record of activities that summarise each patient they have managed during their clinical placement.
Prescribed Texts:

Jackson J and Wolffsohn J. Low Vision Manual. Butterworth-Heinemann 2006.

Students will be provided with a comprehensive study guide which will include key journal articles and a list of prescribed reading.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students will learn several generic skills in this subject. On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • seek and retrieve information using a number of resources including the world-wide-web;
  • evaluate and synthesise research literature and professional literature
  • appreciate the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of research;
  • demonstrate advanced skills and techniques in a specialised area;
  • manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
  • demonstrate exemplary oral communication skills with patients;
  • work as a team member;
  • develop communication skills with other professionals;
  • articulate knowledge and understanding in written presentations;
  • understand the significance and value of advanced knowledge to the wider community;
  • appreciate the ways in which advanced knowledge equips one to offer leadership in this specialist area.

Download PDF version.