Advanced Anterior Eye Disease Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

The time spent each week will vary according the tasks that are to be completed in a particular week.

The following is a guide to an approximate breakdown:

Reading (books, articles, on-line material) 4- 5 hrs/wk
Self Reflective Study, including integration of content into clinical practice 6 - 8 hrs/wk
Online Contribution 3 hrs/wk
Assignments and Assessment Preparation 2 - 3 hrs/wk

Estimated total time commitment of around 200 hrs/semester.

Expected level of knowledge is that of a 4 year Optometry qualification.

Optometrists will be expected to have a level of understanding of anterior eye disease pathophysiology, diagnosis and management consistent with that delivered in a four-year Optometry degree. Access to appropriate undergraduate course materials in these key areas will be available to assist optometrists assess their level of background knowledge.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject will allow optometrists to advance their clinical capabilities in the day-to-day management of eye disease by affording them the opportunity to review the most current theories on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of anterior eye disease, thus preparing them to better embrace changes in the scope of optometric practice. Given the explosion in the literature of health sciences, the course will concentrate on helping optometrists to develop a deeper understanding of a select group of common anterior eye diseases. It is expected that optometrists will, as a result, develop enhanced clinical capabilities in these areas. The course will also provide optometrists with the tools necessary to develop a deeper, evidence-based understanding in other eye diseases of their choosing, thus empowering them to improve their clinical skills across a gamut of anterior eye disease.

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrist should:

1. have a more detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostic issues and evidence-based best-practice management of common anterior eye diseases
2. have demonstrated a capacity to identify, synthesise and evaluate appropriate scientific information such that they may construct a deeper knowledge of any ocular disease process
3. have demonstrated their capacity to interpret and integrate information from a variety of sources (such as patient presentation details, scientific, clinical and technical literature), thus allowing the most appropriate patient management decisions
4. have demonstrated enhanced knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques or instrumentation
5. have advanced their clinical skills and developed a flexibility of outlook such that they are better prepared for future paradigm shifts in the scope of optometric management of anterior eye disease

Critical Appraisal of Literature, 2,000 words, due week 6 - 25%
Wiki Diagnostic Equipment, 1,000 words, due week 9 - 10%
Case Scenario, 2,000 words, due start exam period - 25%
Case Report + Peer Review, 2,500 words, due end exam period - 30%
Ongoing online contribution - 10%

Enrolled optometrists will be directed to research articles, review chapters and articles and case studies, both published and online.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject the student should:

have improved capacity to evaluate and synthesise a range of professional and scientific literature associated with the knowledge and skills in the area being studied;
be able to articulate knowledge and understanding in a written presentation;
have developed an understanding of the value of advanced knowledge and improved technology to both a professional and wider community;
have an appreciation of the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of research;
have developed a high level of analytic and problem solving skill;
have developed a flexibility of approach to enable better response to a background of rapidly changing information;
have confidence to broaden scope of knowledge by consulting professional and scientific literature from fields that overlap and enhance professional practice;
have the confidence to call upon peers to discuss and confer when needed;
have developed capacity to manage competing demands on time and enhanced capacity for self-directed work;
have and understanding of the area being studied in an international context;