Glaucoma and Retinal Disease

This subject is not offered 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 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 (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 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 glaucoma and common retinal 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 history, clinical and technical findings), allowing the most appropriate patient management decisions to be formulated
• have demonstrated enhanced knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques or instrumentation
• understand and implement evidence based criteria in formulating patient diagnostic and management pathways for glaucoma and retinal disease
• have an ability to modify and improve practice based on dialogue, self-reflection and life-long learning.

• 2,000-word literature review documenting the pathophysiology of glaucoma or a relevant retinal disease - due Week 6 - 20%
• A 1,000-word diagnostic equipment comparison. Discussing the clinical value of a piece of diagnostic equipment - due Week 9 - 15%
• A 2,000-word case-report detailing the evidence in establishing a diagnosis of a relevant posterior ocular disease (not diabetes, OAG or ARMD) - due at the start of the examination period - 20%
• A 2,500-3,000 word case-report detailing the evidence in establishing a diagnosis and developing a management pathway for a posterior ocular disease - due at the end of the examination period - 35%
• Online Contribution (based on the quantity and quality of online contributions and the level of interaction) - 10%

Hurdle requirement - 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;