Overview

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Topics covered within this subject include the epidemiology and geographic distribution of blindness; the roles and methods within the rehabilitative team for the support and rehabilitation of the visually disabled; the procedures for comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation of the visually disabled; the procedures for comprehensive assessment of visual disability and the management of patients with partial sight; and the principles and performance of optical, non-optical and technological aids for the enhancement of low vision. Emphasis is on clinical set-up, application and support of patients with low vision.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrists should:

understand the main causes of visual impairment, their prognosis and effects on task performance;
understand the epidemiology of vision impairment and how vision impairment impacts on daily life;
understand the procedures for the comprehensive assessment of low vision;
prescribe optical magnification devices that will enhance low vision;
provide instruction on the use of non-optical devices that will be of practical benefit to the vision impaired patient;
understand the strategies used by the various professionals in the multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation team;
understand the social and personal impact of vision loss and the patterns of behavioural response;
be able to improve their scope of clinical care to include low vision patient management gain;
have an ability to modify and improve practice based on dialogue, self-reflection and life-long learning.

Generic skills

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.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Management of Low Vision Patients (OPTO90007)

About this subject

Overview

Intended learning outcomes

Generic skills