Management of Low Vision Patients

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

340 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 Low Vision Patients. 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 (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment 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 the Student Equity and Disability Support Team: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Topics covered within this subject include the epidemiology and geographic distribution of blindness; the roles and methods within the rehabilitative team for the support and rehabilitation of the visually disabled; the procedures for comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation of the visually disabled; the procedures for comprehensive assessment of visual disability and the management of patients with partial sight; and the principles and performance of optical, non-optical and technological aids for the enhancement of low vision. Emphasis is on clinical set-up, application and support of patients with low vision.

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrists will:

• understand the main causes of visual impairment, their prognosis and effects on task performance;
• understand the epidemiology of vision impairment and how vision impairment impacts on daily life;
• understand the procedures for the comprehensive assessment of low vision;
• prescribe optical magnification devices that will enhance low vision;
• provide instruction on the use of non-optical devices that will be of practical benefit to the vision impaired patient;
• understand the strategies used by the various professionals in the multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation team;
• understand the social and personal impact of vision loss and the patterns of behavioural response;
• be able to improve their scope of clinical care to include low vision patient management gain;
• have an ability to modify and improve practice based on dialogue, self-reflection and life-long learning.

• Case Study Report (2000 words) + Peer review, due early semester (25%)
• Case Study Report (2500 words), due mid semester (25%)
• Case Study Report (2500 words), due late semester (25%)
• Portfolio – Low Vision Kit, due end of exam period (15%)
• Ongoing online contribution, throughout the semester (10%)

Hurdle Requirement: Satisfactory completion of the portfolio and online contribution.

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.