Master of Clinical Optometry

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences has been reviewing the training needs of professional optometrists and the historical engagement of students in postgraduate training programs. This review has led to the closure of a number of existing programs and the introduction of the proposed Master of Clinical Optometry (MClinOptom) and six Specialist Certificates.

These award programs comprise previously approved subjects from the Optometry programs that are being discontinued and the addition of a capstone research subject .The main changes to existing subjects are a change to subject titles and the revision of total study commitment time to achieve consistency with current guidelines.

This approach is designed to offer the optimum balance of formal education and flexible study options to optometrists who have a compulsory requirement to undertake CPD every year to maintain their registration as an optometrist, asll registered Australian and New Zealand Optometrists are required under new legislation (2011) to complete 40 points of continuing professional development (CPD) each year, of this 20 points are required to be in the therapeutics area.

The proposed Master of Clinical Optometry course and its sub-specialisations provide the opportunity for optometrists to gain the required continuing professional development points, depending on the core clinical topics selected. If they choose, the nested and integrated nature of the program will also enable them to have a pathway to a Master of Clinical Optometry

It is expected that the courses will be of particular interest to large optometry chains, including OPSM, meeting the mandated CPD requirement and providing clinical benefits to their practices.

• The program allows optometrists to re-examine the basic sciences of optometry in the context of the latest research, with an emphasis on evidence-based clinical practice.
• The core subjects are detailed, challenging, and are designed to significantly advance optometrists’ clinical skills in selected specialist fields.
• The range of subjects on offer includes key topical subject areas that optometrists can use to introduce clinical specialties into their practices.
• Specifically designed around flexible delivery methods, the nested program also allows the opportunity to complete and apply learning tasks in the candidate's own practice.

One 25 point compulsory subject (Research Studies in Optometry) and 3 x 25 point elective subjects must be completed for students to qualify for the Master of Clinical Optometry (100 points)

To provide recognisable CPD outcomes for optometrists in a structure that is manageable for working professionals, it is proposed that those electing to undertake the Master of Clinical Optometry will have the option of either:

1. Enrolling directly into the Master of Clinical Optometry, or
2. Enrolling in, and completing three Specialist Certificates prior to enrolling in the Master of Clinical Optometry and completing the compulsory Subject - Research Studies in Optometry

The rationale for allowing Optometrists to have access to option 2 above is to allow them to use the Specialist Certificates to demonstrate the specific areas of Optometry in which they have undertaken advanced studies.

The course is only offered as part time study and can be completed over four years.

This course will be administered on behalf of the Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences in the Faculty of Science by the School of Melbourne Custom Programs.

On completion of this course the students should have:

• advanced knowledge and skills in their selected fields of clinical optometry;
• a detailed knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques and/or instrumentation;
• an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesize research from the scientific and clinical literature;
• an appreciation of the value of, and the ability to achieve, collaboration with other healthcare professionals as an effective means to aid clinical problem-solving;
• the capacity to interpret and integrate information from a variety of sources (such as patient presentation details, advanced diagnostic techniques, scientific, clinical and technical literature, and other healthcare professionals), in the development of the most appropriate patient management;
• the ability and initiative to offer enhanced clinical services based on their in-depth study in selected fields of clinical optometry;
• have advanced their clinical skills and developed a flexibility of outlook such that they are better able to respond to future paradigm shifts in the scope of optometric management

Choose three of the following 6 elective subjects:

• OPTO90006 Management of Anterior Eye Diesease
• OPTO90007 Management of Low Vision Patients
• OPTO90009 Management of Contact Lens Patients
• OPTO90010 Management of Paediatric Patients
• OPTO90015 Management of Neural Disorders of Vision
• OPTO90016 Management of Posterior Eye Disease

And one compulsory subject:

• OPTO90031 Research Studies in Optometry

Elective subjects

Choose 3 of the following 6 elective subjects

Compulsory research subject

A 4-year Australian degree in Optometry, or equivalent. Professional experience may be taken into account to determine equivalency.

The Master of 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.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University 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 University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

On completion of this course the students should have:

• critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills
• the ability to integrate theory and practice and to apply this in complex situations
• an openness to new ideas
• planning and time management skills
• the ability to communicate complex clinical cases in both oral and written for