Handbook home
Graduate Certificate in Eye Banking (GC-EYEBANK)
Graduate CertificateYear: 2019 Delivered: Online
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Further study
Contact
Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education
Principal Coordinator
Graeme Pollock
Overview
| Award title | Graduate Certificate in Eye Banking |
|---|---|
| Year & campus | 2019 |
| Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
| Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
| AQF level | 8 |
| Credit points | 50 credit points |
| Duration | 12 months part-time |
A Graduate Certificate in Eye Banking is designed to deliver a comprehensive, advanced theoretical and technical -evidence-based education program to; existing eye bankers wishing to expand their knowledge, those new to the field and peers working in related and relevant sectors.
The online course work, endorsed by the Eye Bank Association of Australia and New Zealand (EBAANZ), has been conveniently mapped out across 3 subjects, allowing completion within as little as 1 year.
Students will gain valuable education on the role of the eye bank within the health system, common eye conditions requiring transplantation, donor selection, tissue allocation, the systems and regulations that underpinning ocular transplantation, and the diversity and differences in the management of eye tissue around the world. An additional component of this coursework will explore bioethics in both the national and international context.
The Graduate Certificate offers a comprehensive understanding of the sector and advanced knowledge of donor and process management, whilst the nested Specialist Certificate focuses on the introduction and foundation of eye banking.
Professionals involved in other transplant sectors, ophthalmology and global eye care development are also encouraged to enrol in this course.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
either
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in health or medical science, and;
- At least 3 years of professional documented work experience in a relevant health or medical science field,
Or;
- At least 7 years of professional documented work experience in a relevant health or medical science field
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking and/or assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic qualification and performance; and/or
- The professional experience.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
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/
Professional accreditation
This course will be accredited by the Eye Bank Association of Australia and New Zealand (EBAANZ). This is the only professional body in this sector at both Graduate Certificate and Specialist Certificate.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of the course, students should be able to;
- Identify key factors in the history of corneal transplantation and eye banking that influence contemporary practice.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the pathophysiology of corneal and other ocular tissue and how it relates to the treatment of corneal and other ocular disease through transplantation.
- Describe in detail the professional practice of eye donation and eye banking in its continuity from donor identification and consent through to transplantation.
- Appraise the ethical, legal and governance frameworks relating to eye donation and eye banking.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role of quality systems and principles in eye banking.
- Critically appraise and apply knowledge of risk, disease transmission, and corneal pathology in the selection of eye donors.
- Compare and contrast eye donation programs within different health systems.
- Comprehend, at an advanced level, the surgical and scientific principles of eye banking.
- Demonstrate a good awareness of issues surrounding death, bereavement, and apply this understanding to donor family discussions and interactions with clinical staff.
- Apply skills in problem solving, critical thinking, collaborative, reflective practice to self-evaluate professional skills and knowledge in eye donation and eye banking.
Generic skills
- Written and oral articulation of key concepts and frameworks
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to adapt and respond to a rapidly changing work environment
- Team working
Graduate attributes
- Critical thinker who is skilled in clinical and technical decision making;
- Active member of the eye banking and health/medical sector who understands the role and function of eye banking within today’s health system, inclusive of the regulatory requirements that underpin the service;
- Advocate who acts ethically as the Custodian of tissue until point of transplantation;
- Future leader and collaborator; and an
- Integrated and self-aware professional who can interact with donors and key stakeholders in the safe delivery of eye banking services.
Course structure
Students must complete all 3 core subjects
- Fundamental in Eye Banking (25 credit points)
- Eye Donation for Transplantation (12.5 credit points)
- Principles of Eye Bank Practice (12.5 credit points)
Subject options
Core Subjects
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMSC90012 | Fundamentals in Eye Banking | Semester 1 (Online) |
25 |
| BMSC90013 | Principles of Eye Bank Practice | Not available in 2019 | 12.5 |
| BMSC90014 | Eye Donation for Transplantation | Not available in 2019 | 12.5 |
Further study
After the course completion, students may progress to a range of postgraduate courses offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Last updated: 18 December 2020