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 theory and practice of clinical optometry procedures form the basis for providing students with a thorough knowledge in all aspects of patient management. This unit involves clinical procedures required to perform advanced investigation of visual problems, including those in paediatric populations and for patients with visual loss.

Aims

This unit will enable students to develop a sound knowledge in more specialised clinical areas including paediatric optometry and the rehabilitation of patients with vision impairment.

Objectives

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

1. demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of specialised clinical procedures for special needs groups.

2. formulate and implement diagnostic and management plans for the visual needs of these populations

3. synthesise and integrate your increased knowledge base of primary vision care with your existing knowledge

4. demonstrate effective communication skills in dealing with special needs groups and the multidisciplinary health care team.

Postgraduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding in a specialized field


• Professional knowledge and skills in a specialist area of practice

Additionally the undergraduate capabilities reinforced in this postgraduate unit are:

l
• knowledge and skills pertinent to optometry




• analytical thinking and problem solving skills




• effective oral and written communication in a variety of contexts




• an understanding of indigenous perspectives




• social and ethical awareness applicable to special needs populations




• ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary health care team

Content

The unit will discuss more specialised areas of patient investigation and management, such as the management of patients with low vision and paediatric patients. You will learn to perform clinical techniques appropriate to special needs groups to complement your existing clinical skills set. Your role as an optometrist in managing children's learning difficulties is emphasised. Referral to supporting services for specialised clinical areas will be covered. The role of optometrists in Indigenous health care is discussed.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be taught by a series of lectures, small group work using problem based learning methods, tutorials, practical sessions and student seminar presentations. The techniques and procedures learnt in this unit are put into practice in the Specialist Clinical Practice units. You will participate in vision screening programs at kindergartens, preschools, schools and the indigenous community during the year.

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

There are 3 Summative Assessment elements within this unit.Formative Assessment
Your learning development will be supported by case based examples, review questions and discussions during lectures, case studies tutorials, problem based learning sessions and practicals. Feedback will be given on your development of necessary clinical skills during practical sessions.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Continuous assessment throughout the semester of technical, communication, diagnosis and management skills during practical sessions
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous

Assessment name: Problem Solving Tasks
Description: Case based patient scenarios will be used to evaluate knowledge and problem solving skills for clinical case simulations in special needs groups. Individual and Group task.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Between weeks 5-11

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: This will focus on your knowledge of clinical investigation, diagnosis and management of clinical patient oriented problems of special needs populations, through the use of case based examples and clinical problems
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

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

Authors: Rosenbloom, Morgan
Title: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Optometry, 1st edition
Publisher: Lippincott
Year: 1990

Author: Duckman RH
Title: Visual Development, Diagnosis and Treatment of the Paediatric Patient
Publisher: Lippincott
Year: 2006

Risk assessment statement

This unit will involve practice of clinical techniques on fellow students and on people from the general public who present as patients to the QUT Optometry Clinic. High standards of hygiene and safe practices are required. You are required to be proficient in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first-aid. 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