Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry

This course is only offered via distance education mode.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry was established in the University of Melbourne in 1997. The course allows optometrists to re-examine the basic sciences of optometry with the benefit of the latest information and an emphasis on understanding and dealing with clinical problems. Courses are in depth, challenging and are designed to significantly advance optometrists clinical skills in selected fields.

The course can be completed in one year of full time study or over two years of part time study.

To further the knowledge and skills of optometry graduates in selected fields of clinical optometry.

The Diploma requires the completion of FOUR of the following six subjects:

OPTO90006 (655-802) Advanced Anterior Eye Disease Management

OPTO90007 (655-803) Clinical Management of Low Vision

OPTO90009 (655-805) Advanced Contact Lens Management

OPTO90010 (655-806) Paediatric Optometry

OPTO90016 (655-807) Advanced Posterior Eye Disease Mgmt

OPTO90015 (655-808) Management of Neural Disorders of Vision

Each subject is worth 25 points and to complete the Diploma, students must have completed 100 points successfully.

The subjects are designed so that they can be pursued via distance education. A website on the University of Melbourne LMS (Learning Management System) will provide links to notes and reading material.

The study notes will guide reading, ask questions and suggest exercises designed to promote understanding. In most subjects online forums will be available for collaboration and to answer candidates' questions.

A four year Australian bachelor degree in Optometry or equivalent; or

A three year Optometry degree followed by a year of supervised clinical practice.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:
(1) the ability to comprehend complex science and technology related information;
(2) the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, and technology principles and practices during assessment tasks;
(3) the ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

There may be additional inherent academic requirements for some subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these subjects.

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry graduates will have developed the ability to deal with and understand clinical problems.

Assessment

All assessment is designed to reinforce subject learning in a clinical practice context. Hence there are no examinations and all assignments are submitted online. Ongoing contribution to the subject’s online community, along with critical assessment of research articles in an interactive, online format is an important aspect of each subject and also contributes to the assessment.

Credit for prior studies

Graduate students who have completed tertiary study may be eligible for course credits, or exemptions - please visit the Graduate School of Sciences (http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au/admin/credit) page Advanced Standing / Credit for more information on the policy and how to apply. There are currently no opportunities for credit from the Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics.