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

Refractive errors, accommodation and binocular vision anomalies are among the most common vision problems confronting the optometrist. The understanding of the development of refractive errors and functioning of the binocular vision system are important bases for the examination of patients in a clinical setting and the subsequent management of anomalies in these areas.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to familiarise you with the different types of refractive errors and what to expect in different age groups, and with the types of binocular vision and accommodation anomalies frequently found in the population. A suite of procedures to investigate binocular and accommodation anomalies will be introduced.

Objectives

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

1. evaluate and differentiate refractive errors and formulate decisions on appropriate management.
2. perform techniques appropriate to the investigation of accommodation and binocular vision disorders.
3. differentially diagnose accommodation and binocular vision disorders.
4. identify those accommodation and binocular vision disorders that can be successfully treated with vision therapy programs, propose and implement management strategies, evaluate and revise management, and communicate the diagnoses and management plans to patients.
5. distinguish binocular vision disorders that require referral for surgical intervention.

Content

This unit covers the theory of the development of refractive errors from birth and changes that may occur with age. Management strategies for refractive error correction, in particular, methods to halt the progression of myopia are discussed.

You will also discuss the development of accommodation and binocular vision disorders and the sequelae if these anomalies are not treated in the critical stages of vision and binocular vision develeopment in infants and young children. You will learn clincial methods to evaluate accommodative and binocular vision disorders, and clincial methods to use in the management of these conditions. The clinical techniques and management strategies developed in this unit will be used by you in the Primary and Specialist Clinical Practice units in the program.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will involve lectures, tutorials, case studies and practical sessions. Clinical methods in binocular vision assessment are introduced initially in a clinical environment where students act as both practitioner and patient. These skills will be used by you in your clinical practice sessions with patients of the Optometry Clinic. Your learning is supported by an online website which includes study materials and case examples as learning aids.

Skills and knowledge provided in this unit are in accordance with the Optometrists Association Australia Universal entry-level competency standards for Optometry (2008) within 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; with particular reference to the individual competency elements and performance criteria pertaining to binocular vision functions. (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 3 pieces of Summative AssessementFormative Assessment

Your learning develeopment will be supported by case based examples, review questions and discussions during lectures, case studies and practicals. Feedback will be given on your development of necessary clincial skills during practical sessions. Practical assignments will be submitted 1 week after they have been completed and will be returned with written feedback within 3 weeks from the date of submission.

Assessment name: Practical
Description: You will be required to attend and participate in practical sessions where clinical techniques and management procedures are practiced. Small group practical assignments will be completed and handed in each week
Relates to objectives: 1, 4 and 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: End of Semester Examination
Description: End of semester examination
This will focus on knowledge of the investigation and management of refractive error, accommodative and binocular disorders, and on clinical problem solving in these areas through case based examples and clinical problems
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4 and 5
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Practical
Description: Clinical Skills Assessment. This will include the assessment of your ability to perform techniques in the investigation of accommodation and binocular vision anomalies.
Relates to objectives: 2
Weight: 20%
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

Scheiman M and Wick B (2002). Clinical Management of Binocular Vision (Second Edition). Lippincott, Philadelphia

Risk assessment statement

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