Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Students may only gain credit for one of

• 655-351 Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing
• 655-359 Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing (prior to 2008)

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.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

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.

This subject will apply the optical design knowledge and skills obtained in the prerequisite subjects to the design, function, prescribing and dispensing of ophthalmic lenses and spectacle frames. On completion of this subject, students will have a detailed understanding of the optics and performance characteristics of ophthalmic lenses and good knowledge of the materials, manufacturing, design and adjustment of spectacle frames. In addition, students will be familiar with the properties of lens materials and the indications for their use. Students will also have the knowledge to dispense prescriptions and check dispensed spectacles and lenses to Australian standards.

The subject will also cover the properties of ophthalmic materials; the optics and design of multifocal lenses, in particular progressive addition lenses, relating both to their design and wearer performance. Students will have an understanding of magnification effects of lenses, and the properties of absorptive lenses; safety lenses; and modern ophthalmic dispensing instruments and techniques. The practical classes will familiarise students with the practical aspects of ophthalmic dispensing. Computer-aided learning will include a series of ophthalmic problems that are completed during the semester.

Four 5-minute multiple choice tests conducted during semester (5%); Computer-aided learning (CAL) problems, including two short written assignments (200 words each), completed throughout the semester (5%); a 100-minute practical examination in ophthalmic lenses and dispensing in the examination period (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (70%).

Satisfactory completion of the CALs (minimum mark required 75%) and the final exam is necessary to pass the subject

• W. Brooks & I M Borish, System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, 3rd Ed 2007

An additional reference list will be provided

M Jalie, Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing, Butterworths, 2008.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree), BASc or a combined BSc course.