Glaucoma and Retinal Disease (OPTO90016)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
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This subject is to allow optometrists to advance their capabilities in the day-to-day management of eye disease by affording them the opportunity to review the most current ideas on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of ocular disease affecting the back of the eye, thus also preparing them for any further shifts in the scope of optometric practice in this area. This review will include a critical examination of how the state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging tools can be incorporated into clinical practice. Given the explosion in the literature of health sciences, the course will concentrate on developing a deep understanding in a select group of eye diseases regularly seen in optometric practice (for example, glaucoma, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration). The course will, however, provide optometrists with the tools necessary to develop a deeper, evidence-based understanding in other eye diseases of their choosing.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject the enrolled optometrist should:
- have a contemporary knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostic issues and evidence-based best-practice management of glaucoma and common retinal diseases
- have demonstrated a capacity to identify, synthesise and evaluate appropriate scientific information such that they may construct a deeper knowledge of any ocular disease process
- have demonstrated their capacity to interpret and integrate information from a variety of sources (such as patient history, clinical and technical findings), allowing the most appropriate patient management decisions to be formulated
- have demonstrated enhanced knowledge in the use and application of specific advanced diagnostic techniques or instrumentation
- understand and implement evidence based criteria in formulating patient diagnostic and management pathways for glaucoma and retinal disease
- 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-GARD Specialist Certificate in Glaucoma and Retinal Disease
This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Expected level of knowledge is that of a graduate of an optometry degree leading to registration to practice in Australia, or equivalent.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Literature review documenting the pathophysiology of glaucoma or a relevant retinal disease
| Week 5 | 15% |
Equipment assignment. Discussing the clinical value of a piece of diagnostic equipment
| Week 9 | 15% |
Case report detailing the evidence in establishing a diagnosis of a relevant posterior ocular disease (not diabetes, OAG or ARMD), due at the start of the examination period
| During the examination period | 25% |
Case report detailing the evidence in establishing a diagnosis and developing a management pathway for a posterior ocular disease, due at the end of the examination period
| During the examination period | 35% |
Online Contribution (based on the quantity and quality of online contributions and the level of interaction) Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory online contribution (participate in greater than 50% of online activities). | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
Time commitment details
Approx. 340 hours including online activities, reading, assessments, and preparation.
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
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Clinical Optometry Course Specialist Certificate in Glaucoma and Retinal Disease - Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025