Preclinical Optometry Refresher

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment - 144 hours

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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/

Note: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry.

Note: Students will only enrol in this subject on the instruction of the O.D. Progress Committee

This subject provides students with the opportunity to maintain the clinical skills developed through the completion of the subject Preclinical Optometry, by providing further practise and training in the optometric procedures for the examination of the eyes and the treatment of visual disorders. On completion of the subject students will be able to investigate patients' visual problems, make a diagnosis and plan an appropriate course of management. Practical sessions will allow students the opportunity to take and record a routine patient history and work up an ocular complaint, complete a comprehensive refractive examination, perform a routine screen to detect overt pathology or visual dysfunction and acquire the skills to examine the health of the eye. In the latter part of semester 2, students will reinforce their practical skills and knowledge and perform routine eye examinations on colleagues and practice patients in a clinical setting.

On completion of this subject students should:

• maintain basic competency in clinical ocular examination, using current best-practice methods, enabling them to assess and the health and visual performance of their patient;
• maintain developing interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, that allow them to establish relationships with their patients;
• maintain developing technical skills to proficiently manipulate ophthalmic instruments and equipment;
• maintain developing skills in problem identification, and applying these to particular problems presented by patients.

Two 45-minute hurdle clinical proficiency exams, one towards the end of each semester; and ongoing clinical assessment of a minimum of 5 routine clinical eye examinations conducted on practise patients during Semester 2. All pieces of assessment are administered on a pass/fail basis and students must pass each component of assessment. Students will be given the opportunity to retake failed components of assessment during semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have highly developed written and oral communication skills;
• have the capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in written modes of communication;
• be able to work as part of a team to address a common goal;
• be able to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to new problems;
• be able to incorporate evidence based information into their clinical practice;
• value the collection and recording of accurate and complete data;
• have enhanced time management skills, in particular a capacity to manage competing demands on time, and professional focus in clinical practice;
• be able to keep up to date with the latest innovations;
• be able to reflect upon and identify deficiencies in their knowledge, and develop strategies to address those deficiencies.

Students should have an approved direct ophthalmoscope and retinoscope, gonioprism, binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, two fundus lenses, white coat, pre-focused pen torch or transilluminator, inter-pupillary rule, cover paddle, and a set of four flippers (lenses and prisms). Students are strongly advised to purchase their own equipment, which they will continue to use during their course and after graduation. However, those students who do not have their own equipment will be able to borrow equipment for classes. Students are required to conform to prescribed dress and conduct requirements when assigned to all clinical duties with patients.