Specialist Certificate in Glaucoma and Retinal Disease (SC-GARD) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

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Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course the students should have:



  • advanced knowledge and skills in their selected fields of clinical optometry;
  • a detailed knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques and/or instrumentation;
  • an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesize research from the scientific and clinical literature;
  • an appreciation of the value of, and the ability to achieve, collaboration with other healthcare professionals as an effective means to aid clinical problem-solving;
  • the capacity to interpret and integrate information from a variety of sources (such as patient presentation details, advanced diagnostic techniques, scientific, clinical and technical literature, and other healthcare professionals), in the development of the most appropriate patient management;
  • the ability and initiative to offer enhanced clinical services based on their in-depth study in selected fields of clinical optometry;
  • have advanced their clinical skills and developed a flexibility of outlook such that they are better able to respond to future paradigm shifts in the scope of optometric management.

Generic skills

On completion of this course the students should have:

  • critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills
  • the ability to integrate theory and practice and to apply this in complex situations
  • an openness to new ideas
  • planning and time management skills
  • the ability to communicate complex clinical cases in both oral and written form

Graduate attributes

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

  • Academically excellent:
    • have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
    • have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
    • reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
    • be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
    • be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies
  • Knowledgeable across disciplines:
    • examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
    • expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
    • have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
    • have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment
  • Leaders in communities:
    • initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
    • have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
    • mentor future generations of learners
    • engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs
  • Attuned to cultural diversity:
    • value different cultures
    • be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
    • have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
    • respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values
  • Active global citizens:
    • accept social and civic responsibilities
    • be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
    • have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics

Last updated: 27 February 2025