Clinical Management of Low Vision

Subject OPTO90007 (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

Distance Learning.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is available by distance learning in both semester 1 and 2. A half day seminar is provided to assist candidates but attendance is optional.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
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.

Coordinator

Ms Anthea Cochrane

Contact

Email: antheac@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject aims to provide practising optometrists with the skills to manage partially sighted patients. You will study the epidemiology of low vision; evaluate suitable aides to assist in management of low vision; study in depth the common conditions that cause low vision and gain practical experience with low vision patients. On completion you will be able to manage low vision patients either of your own patients or in a multidisciplinary setting.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrists will:

  • understand the main causes of visual impairment, their prognosis and effects on task performance;
  • understand the epidemiology of vision impairment and how vision impairment impacts on daily life;
  • understand the procedures for the comprehensive assessment of low vision;
  • prescribe optical magnification devices that will enhance low vision;
  • provide instruction on the use of non-optical devices that will be of practical benefit to the vision impaired patient;
  • understand the strategies used by the various professionals in the multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation team.
  • understand the social and personal impact of vision loss and the patterns of behavioural response;
  • be able to improve their scope of clinical care to include low vision patient management gain.
    		•
    Assessment:

    Case Study Report + Peer review, 2,500 words, due early semester - 30%
    Case Study Report, 2,500 words, due mid semester - 25%
    Case Study Report, 2,500 words, due late semester - 25%
    Portfolio – Low Vision Kit, due end of exam period - 15%
    Ongoing online contribution - 5%
    Prescribed Texts:

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

    Candidates will be provided with a comprehensive study guide which will include key journal articles and prescribed reading in a range of texts.
    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, including the ability 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;
    • develop a high level of analytic and problem solving skill;
    • develop a high level of planning and time management skill;
    • articulate knowledge and understanding in a written presentation;
    • have an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in a specialised area.
    Related Course(s): Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry

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