Ocular Therapeutics B

Subject OPTO90012 (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: Students will be initially enrolled in this subject in semester 2 only. Up to 50 hours of clinical training and case report discussions. Clinical training will normally be in sessions of 3-4 hours per week, although this may vary depending on the individual clinical settings. The basic model of clinical training will include placements in private ophthalmological practices and public eyecare clinics and so offer a range of settings in which case reports, differential diagnosis strategies and clinical management (therapeutic and non-therapeutic) can be discussed. In addition, 2-3 tutorials will be offered to discuss case reports, patient management skills and differential diagnostic strategies. Due to the complex nature of scheduling clinical rotations, the exact format of placements will vary for individual students. The skills assessment will be scheduled on the same weekend as one of the 655-811 teaching blocks.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2013
25
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 suject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject co-ordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Contact

Melbourne Graduate School of Science
Faculty of Science
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010

Tel: + 61 3 8344 6128
Fax: +61 3 8344 3351

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

Subject Overview:

On completion of OPTO90011 Ocular Therapeutics A, students will be thoroughly familiar with the properties of ophthalmic therapeutic drugs and their applications as well as their use in clinical practice. This subject aims to build on this knowledge and provide students with first hand clinical experience of anterior eye disorders.

Skills Assessment: It will be expected that candidates will be proficient in the techniques of fundus lens examination (including optic nerve assessment) and gonioscopy. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in these techniques at a skills assessment prior to commencing their clinical placements. Students found not to be proficient will be advised to undertake further training.

Clinical Training: This will include the examination and diagnosis of the major conditions of the cornea, conjunctiva and adnexae as seen in a hospital setting as well as acute red eye patients. Students will be expected to make management decisions regarding treatment before presenting the case to the senior clinician present. Emphasis will be placed on the inflammatory and infective disorders, as these will form the majority of conditions seen in private optometric practice. It is expected that exposure to uveitic and cataract patients will also form part of the experience. Key areas regarding resistance to drugs, standard of care regarding steroids and appropriateness of referral for specialist treatment will also be addressed.

Students will also access glaucoma specialists in order to see a diversity of glaucoma patients. Again students will be expected to examine and comment on the patient's condition and devise management strategies in consultation with the treating clinician. This will assist in developing skills in shared-care strategies, which will form the basis for optometric involvement in the management of glaucoma.

Objectives:

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Assessment:

Hurdle Requirement: students will be required to demonstrate clinical competency at a skills assessment prior to commencing their clinical placements.

On completion of the clinical placements, students will have to submit three written case reports to the examination board. In addition, a one half-hour oral examination will be carried out which will place emphasis on clinical decision making and problem solving skills. This examination will include a defence of the three case reports. The examination will also require full understanding of the knowledge gained from OPTO90011 Ocular Therapeutics A.

On satisfactory completion of both the didactic and clinical components and the successful completion of the examinations and case reports the students will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics. This will permit individuals to apply to the Optometrists Registration Board for endorsement to use the approved S4 therapeutic agents.

Prescribed Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

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