Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The most important part of any eye examination is an assessment of ocular health. Optometrists are primary health care practitioners, and by far the majority of patients who require an eye examination consult an optometrist. Therefore, optometrists are at the forefront of the fight against eye disease, and they also play a major role in the detection of general or systemic diseases that cause ocular signs and symptoms. An exhaustive treatment of the subject of eye diseases is therefore germane to optometric studies.

Designated unit

This is a designated unit. Designated units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills, and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities, and are deemed to be critical to progress in your course. At the end of each semester, if you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit you may be eligible for a period of probation or exclusion.

Aims

Together with OPB650 Diseases of the Eye 6, the aim of this unit is to provide students with the capabilities and knowledge to detect and diagnose eye disease, and to take the appropriate management action for the patient.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. determine, detect and evaluate signs and symptoms of eye diseases and ocular conditions.
2. differentially diagnose eye diseases and ocular conditions secondary to systemic conditions.
3. formulate management plans for eye diseases and ocular conditions secondary to systemic conditions

Content

Conditions of the eyelids, orbit, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, ciliary body and crystalline lens will be discussed. These will encompass developmental, dystrophic, degenerative, inflammatory and infectious causes, benign and malignant neoplasms, and systemic associations of disease of these structures. Clinical signs and symptoms will be discussed, and differential diagnosis of the conditions emphasised. Clincial investigative techniques will be outlined, and management options in optometric practice discussed. This unit will provide the foundation knowledge of the presentations of eye disease for later discussion and clinical practice of clinical optometry and therapeutic management of eye disease.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There will be a series of lectures and tutorials each week. Case based problem-solving examples are used throughout lectures and tutorials to support the lecture material and the acquisition of critical thinking skills.
Skills and knowledge provided in this unit are in accordance with the Optometrists Association Australia Universal entry-level competency standards for Optometry (2008) in the competency standards 1. Professional Responsibilities, 2. Patient History, 3. Patient Examination, 4. Diagnosis, 5. Patient management and 6. Recording of Clinical Data and the appropriate competency elements within these standards. (reference: Kiely PM. Optometrists Association Australia universal (entry-level) and therapeutic competency standards for Optometry 2008. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 2009; 92(4): 362-5, 366-86.)

Assessment

Formative assessment

You will be provided opportunities for self assessment of your understanding of the unit materials through the case-based examples and interactive quizzes during lectures and tutorials.

Assessment name: End of Semester Theory Exam
Description: End-of semester theory examination. This will include knowledge based questions and questions requiring the integration of knowledge to solve clinically related case based problems in diseases of the eye.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Case based scenarios will be used to assess student performance in the evaluation of signs, symptoms, differential diagnoses, formulation of diagnosis and management plans for presentations of eye disease and ocular conditions related to systemic conditions.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Between weeks 5 - 11

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

References

Kanski, J. J., (2010). Clinical Ophthalmology (7th ed.). London: Butterworth-Heinemann

Yanoff, M., Duker, J.S. (Eds). 2009. Ophthalmology (3rd Ed). Mosby-Elsevier

Kunimoto, D. Y., et al. (Eds). (2004). The Wills Eye Manual (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: JB Lippincott & Co.

Spalton, D. J., Hitching, R. A., & Hunter, P. A. (1994). Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology (2nd ed.). London: Gower.

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Risk assessment statement

Blue card
The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000) requires that students undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a blue card by the Commission prior to undertaking field experience in a school or centre, or undertaking activities in any unit which may involve contact with children. You will require a blue card for clinical placement/practicum in this unit. You should apply for a blue card at least 12 weeks before any clinical placement/practicum. Current blue card holders must register their card with QUT. For more information visit www.bluecard.qut.edu.au

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 16-Oct-2012