Management of Contact Lens 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 Contact Lens 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/

This subject is designed to provide optometrists with the opportunity to extend their capabilities in contact lens practice. Optometrists will explore contemporary evidence-based information regarding common in-practice contact lens issues including: use of clinical grading scales; contact lens dryness; microbiology and infection associated with contact lens wear; and the impact of new materials and solutions, in particular silicone hydrogels. Optometrists will also extend their knowledge in specialty contact lens fitting such as: toric rigid lens fitting; contact lenses for keratoconus; orthokeratology and the fitting of contact lenses after refractive surgery and keratoplasty.

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrist should:

• have acquired further knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostic issues and evidence-based best-practice management of ocular responses to contact lenses, including infection;
• have a detailed knowledge of contemporary contact lens materials and designs;
• be prepared to manage complex contact lens presentations, fittings and contact lens related complications;
• have advanced their clinical knowledge and developed a flexibility of outlook such that they are better prepared for future paradigm shifts in the field of contact lens practice;
• have an ability to modify and improve practice based on dialogue, self-reflection and life-long learning.

• Critical appraisal of literature, 2,000 words, due week 4 (20%)
• Case Study report + peer review, 2,500 words, due week 7 (30%)
• Case Study report, 2,500 words, due week 12 (25%)
• Portfolio, 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.