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Preclinical Optometry (OPTO90024)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Year Long
Overview
Availability | Year Long |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Note: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry.
This subject provides training in the optometric procedures for the examination of the eyes and introduces common vision and ocular disorders. On completion of the subject, students will be able to investigate a patient’s visual problems, make a diagnosis, and plan an appropriate course of management for common conditions. Topics include: refractive anomalies of the eye, including explanations of the origin and development of refractive anomalies and the approaches used to detect and correct refractive errors; anomalies of accommodation, including presbyopia; anomalies of ocular motility and binocular vision, including their clinical assessment and management; and the detection and basis of disorders of the visual pathway. Practical sessions introduce students to taking and recording a routine patient history, investigating an ocular complaint, completing a comprehensive refractive examination, performing a routine screen to detect overt visual dysfunction. Additionally, students will work in small groups to link themes in basic vision science with clinical practice.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- identify and assess the structure and function of the normal human eye and visual system;
- describe the signs and symptoms of common ocular and visual system dysfunction;
- conduct a basic clinical ocular examination using key ophthalmic equipment and skills according to current best-practice standards; and
- reflect on how cultural background and history (including that of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples) influences and shapes one's worldview and the practitioner/patient relationship.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to new problems;
- communicate clearly in written and oral forms;
- work as part of a team to address a common goal;
- manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
- show a respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
- articulate the interpretation of data in written form;
- integrate knowledge from different domains;
- value the collection and recording of accurate and complete data; and
- reflect upon and identify deficiencies in knowledge, skills and attitudes and consider strategies to address those deficiencies.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
OPTO90027 | Integrated Ophthalmic Sciences | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
75 |
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
One written examination
| Semester 1 examination period | 30% |
One written examination
| Semester 2 examination period | 45% |
Clinical performance | Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Group (6 to 7 students per group) oral presentation on a clinical case/scenario
| Throughout the teaching period | 5% |
Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory performance in competency assessments, typically clinical proficiency examinations | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Hurdle requirement: 100% attendance at preclinical duties | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Year Long
Principal coordinator Kwang Cham Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Four 1-hour lectures/tutes per week throughout the year; 3 hours of practical work per week in semester 1 and an average of 8 hours of practical work per week in semester 2. Plus attendance at the Doctor of Optometry Student Conference Total time commitment 290 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 24 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 May 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 24 September 2021 Assessment period ends 19 November 2021 Year Long contact information
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Benjamin W (2006) Borish’s Clinical Refraction. 2nd Ed. Pub. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Elliott D.B. (2007) Clinical Procedures in Primary Eye Care. 3rd Ed. Pub. Elsevier. - Subject notes
Basic optometric equipment will need to be purchased by each student. There will be an information session advising students of what is required early in semester 1. Students will have the opportunity to submit orders for equipment towards the end of semester 1 ready for use in semester 2.
Students are strongly advised to purchase their own equipment, which they will continue to use during their course and after graduation. However, those students who do not have their own equipment will be able to borrow equipment for classes.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Optometry
Last updated: 3 November 2022