Management of Low Vision Patients (OPTO90007)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Not available in 2025
About this subject
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
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into one of the following:
- MC-CLINOPT Master of Clinical Optometry
- SC-MLVP Specialist Certificate in the Management of Low Vision Patients
Expected level of knowledge is that of a 4 year Optometry qualification.
This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.
Corequisites
None
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Case study report and peer review
| Early in the teaching period | 25% |
Case study report
| Mid semester | 25% |
Case study report
| Late in the teaching period | 25% |
Portfolio – Low Vision Kit, due end of exam period | During the examination period | 15% |
Ongoing online contribution | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
| Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of the portfolio and online contribution. | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
Time commitment details
170 hours per 12.5 credit point subject
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025