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

This unit introduces the theory and practical skills of techniques for examining patients' eyes and assessing visual functions. Subjective and objective techniques of assessing visual status are learned. The skills necessary to communicate with patients are introduced.

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

The aim of this unit is to learn techniques used in the examination of patients and assessment of visual functions

Objectives

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

1. Describe the theory of techniques for assessing vision function

2. Employ practical skills in examining students with the clinical techniques introduced

3. Identify and demonstrate the necessary communication skills in performing clinical techniques

4. Synthesise at an initial level clinical information in order to manage patient's visual problems.

Graduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

• Knowledge and skills pertinent to the dicipline of optometry


• Effective communcation skills


• Problem solving skills in an early clinical context

Content

This unit addresses the theory and practice of a number of clinical procedures which are used in eye examination to assess visual function: visual acuity measurement, external examination of the eyes, objective and subjective refraction, near vision assessment and tonometry. You will also be introduced on how to communicate with patients, and the communication principles and skills in taking a case history.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is taught through lectures, practical work, videotapes, case reports and obervation of the management of patients presenting to the Optometry Clinic. You will learn how to peform technquies in practical sessions conducted in a clinical environment, acting as both optometrist and patient during the sessions. Through observing vision examinations on a number of patients by 4th and 5th year Optometry students in the Optometry clinic you will evaluate the structure used in eye examinations, and also identify the relevant communcation skills used. The practical work is conducted in small groups in clinical settings, and the techniques learnt in this unit will be put into practice with patients in later years of hte course. The unit's online website includes study materials and activities to aid your learning.

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 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

There are 2 pieces of summative assessment in this unit.Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will include feedback on the development of your clinical and communication skills in clinical procedures through the practical sessions, and through discussion of examples of problem solving for clinical case based problems during lectures and case reports.

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: This will include a range of questions pertaining to the theory and application of clinical procedures, and the solving of clinically related problems using case based examples
Relates to objectives: 1 and 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

Assessment name: Examination (practical)
Description: Technical and clinical skills assessment
This will include assessment of the technical and communication skills required for clinical procedures learned in practical sessions
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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

Required
Carkeet A, Swann P. Assessment of Vision 5 Lecture and Practical Manual. QUT Publication (Revised Annually)

Recommended
Elliot DB (2003). Clinical Procedures in Primary Eye Care.Edinburgh/New York: Butterworth Heinemann

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

This unit will involve practice of clinical techniques on fellow students. High standards of hygiene and safe practices will be required. You will be informed of relevant Standard Operating Procedures of the School of Optometry as they pertain to 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