Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne was the first optometry school to offer a postgraduate certificate, enabling current optometrists the opportunity to obtain therapeutic endorsement and was also the first to offer an upgraded Bachelor of Optometry course incorporating ocular therapeutics.

The Postgraduate Certificate draws on the Department's access to a unique combination of expertise in the fields of optometry, ophthalmology and medical sciences. As well as its own clinical expertise the Department draws on a range of international and local expertise. An international specialist in the field of ocular therapeutics and anterior eye disease management, and a range of leading ophthalmologists and clinical educators from the University of Melbourne and Melbourne's teaching hospital network, including the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH), also contribute in the delivery of the didactic component of the course. The clinical component also includes placements at the RVEEH, the state's specialist eye hospital, where students have the opportunity to participate in the accident & emergency clinic, and the specialist cornea and glaucoma clinics.

To train currently registered optometrists in Australia to meet the necessary level of expertise for endorsement to therapeutically treat ocular disease. This is in response to legislation introduced by the Victorian State Government in 1996.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics requires the completion of two 25 point subjects.

*This course is under review and is not taking enrolments in 2012

• A four-year Australian bachelor degree in Optometry or equivalent.

In selection, consideration may be given to each applicant’s clinical practice experience. The Selection Committee may call for referee reports and employer references to assist in the selection process.

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.

On satisfactory completion of both the didactic and clinical components and the successful completion of the examinations and case reports, the student will be eligible to apply to the Optometrists Registration Board for endorsement to use the approved S4 therapeutic agents.

It is recommended that applicants have a minimum of one year's clinical practice experience post-registration.

ARTICULATION TO THE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ADVANCED CLINICAL OPTOMETRY

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics may choose to articulate to the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry. This provides students with the opportunity to advance their clinical skills in selected fields, and 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. Students will be eligible to apply for up to 25 points credit towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry and will be required to complete another three 25 point subjects.

*The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry is under review and is not taking enrolments in 2012

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Subjects completed within the Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics can be credited towards the continuing education requirements for optometrists. Graduates should contact the Optometrist's Association of Australia (OAA) for information on how to apply for credit.