Management of Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders

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 Neural Disorders of Vision. 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 to enable optometrists to extend their abilities to evaluate the sensory and motor pathways of the visual system, both in the context of evaluating visual complaints themselves as well as gaining further knowledge of how visual and ocular motor signs may reflect a range of systemic conditions, particularly of the central nervous system. Because complaints related to these pathways may reflect problems arising anywhere from the anterior visual pathways to the higher-order visual cortices, optometrists should benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of the current state of knowledge of these pathways and their assessment.

On completion of the subject enrolled optometrists should:

• be familiar with the skills needed for assessment of sensory and motor aspects of the visual system;
• have sufficient knowledge to identify neurological conditions requiring referral to appropriate specialists;
• have a broad ability to incorporate latest findings from neuro-ophthalmic literature into assessment and management of patients seen in optometric practice;
• be able to modify and improve practice based on dialogue, self-reflection and life-long learning.

• Case Study Report 1 (2000 words) - either own case or choice from a list of cases/conditions supplied - due Week 4 - 20%
• Case Study Report 1 (2000 words) - either own case or choice from a list of cases/conditions supplied - due Week 8 - 20%
• Case Study Report 1 (2000 words) - either own case or choice from a list of cases/conditions supplied - due end of semester - 20%
• Reflective Essay (2500 words) - based on own learning throughout the subject - due first week of the exam period - 30%
• Online contribution - based on the quantity and quality of onilne contributions and the level of interaction - 10%

Hurdle Requirements - satisfactory online contribution (participate in greater than 50% of online activities).

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.