Management of Posterior Eye Patients

This subject is not offered in 2014.

240 hours.

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

To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted in the Master of Clinical Optometry or Specialist Certificate in the Management of Posterior Eye Disease. This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.

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 is to allow optometrists to advance their capabilities in the day-to-day management of eye disease by affording them the opportunity to review the most current ideas on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of ocular disease affecting the back of the eye, thus also preparing them for any further shifts in the scope of optometric practice in this area. This review will include a critical examination of how the state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging tools can be incorporated into clinical practice. Given the explosion in the literature of health sciences, the course will concentrate on developing a deep understanding in a select group of eye diseases regularly seen in optometric practice (for example, glaucoma, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration). The course will, however, provide optometrists with the tools necessary to develop a deeper, evidence-based understanding in other eye diseases of their choosing.

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrist should:

• have a more detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostic issues and evidence-based best-practice management of common posterior ocular diseases
• 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
• 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
• have demonstrated enhanced knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques or instrumentation
• have advanced their clinical knowledge and developed a flexibility of outlook such that they are better prepared for future paradigm shifts in the scope of optometric management of posterior eye disease

A 2000-word assignment, due approximately week 6, documenting the findings of a review of the literature explaining the pathophysiology of a posterior ocular disease (not diabetes, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)), 25%
A 1000-word assignment, due approximately week 9, discussing the clinical value of a piece of diagnostic equipment. The assignment should include a comparison of the manufacturer’s claims, eg in technical literature associated with the equipment, with findings in independent clinical trials of the equipment, 10%
A 2000-word case-report, due at the start of the examination period, that emphasises a review of the literature covering the management of a posterior ocular disease (again, not diabetes, glaucoma or ARMD), 25%
A 2500-word case-scenario, due at the end of the examination period, based structured assignment covering the information contained within the required reading of the subject, 30%
Ongoing appropriate contribution (approximately 3 hours per week) to the subject’s online community, along with critical assessment of research articles in an interactive, online format, 10%

Hurdle: Enrolled optometrists will be required to obtain a passing grade in all assessment components (i.e. each of the three assignments, online participation and the structured assignment).

Enrolled optometrists will be directed to primary research articles and review articles. Case studies will also be provided, both in print and online format.

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;