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

Contact lenses are an important clinical option for the correction of refractive errors of the eye. Students will develop the skills necessary to manage contact lens patients in clinical practice.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the clinical skills, knowledge and problem-solving skills to manage contact lens patients.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Examine a patient to determine their suitability for, and fit the patient appropriately with, contact lenses
2. Critically assess and manage the symptoms and signs presented by a patient with contact lens related complications
3. Explain the relative clinical merits of contact lens materials, designs and care regimes to patients, other optometrists and health care professionals

Content

This unit covers: rigid and soft contact lens fitting, consultation techniques, management of contact lens related complications, and advanced fitting techniques such as keratoconus, presbyopia and extended wear.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be comprised of lectures by the staff of the school, some guest lectures by specialist contact lens practitioners, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions. Lecturers will use numerous case-based examples of clinical situations to develop the students understanding of analytical thinking and problem solving. Practical sessions will provide the opportunity for the development of clinical skills and analytical skills with direct and immediate summative feedback from qualified optometrists.

The skills and knowledge provided in this unit consistent with the Optometrists Association Australia universal entry-level competency standards for Optometry (2008) in the competency standards sections: (1) Professional responsibilities, (2) Patient history, (3) Patient examination, (4) Diagnosis, (5) Patient management and (6) Recording of clinical data (Kiely PM. Optometrists Association Australia universal (entry-level) and therapeutic competency standards for Optometry 2008. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 2009; 92(4): 362-365 and 366-386.

Assessment

Formative Assessment

Practical classes include individual student feedback on proficiency with a range of clinical contact lens skills.
Practical classes and lectures include tutorials and discussions of clinical techniques, clinical case management and sample examination questions. During practical classes, the students are scheduled to work independently and in collaboration with other students. The practical classes aid the student to develop communication skills, problem solving skills, clinical skills and critical thinking skills.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: A series of case-based scenarios requiring the integration of the knowledge and practical skills developed in the unit will be used to assess student performance . These will include diagnostic, treatment and management scenarios related to contact lens clinical practice. Scenarios will typically include images of clinical signs or conditions to assess clinical diagnosis and management knowledge in solving case based problems. These problem solving tasks evaluate the students' knowledge of contact lens patient care, analytical thinking, problem solving, and understanding of communication skills (with patients and other health care professionals).
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: This written end-of semester examination includes questions requiring the integration of the knowledge and practical skills developed in the unit. They will include diagnosis, treatment and management questions related to contact lens practice. These examinations test the students' knowledge of contact lens patient care, analytical thinking, problem solving, and understanding of communication skills (with patients and other health care professionals).
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: Practical classes include individual student feedback on proficiency with a range of clinical contact lens skills.

Practical classes and lectures include tutorials and discussions of clinical techniques, clinical case management and sample examination questions. During practical classes, the students are scheduled to work independently and in collaboration with other students. The practical classes aid the student to develop communication skills, problem solving skills, clinical skills and critical thinking skills.
Relates to objectives: 1-2
Weight: 10%
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

Collins, M.J. Contact Lens Studies, Lecture Notes. Brisbane: QUT Publication (revised annually)

Collins, M.J. Contact Lens Studies, Practical Notes. Brisbane: QUT Publication (revised annually)

Phillips, A.J., Speedwell, L. (1997). Contact Lenses (4th ed.). Oxford (England); Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN: 0750618191

Efron, N. (1999). Contact Lens Complications. Oxford; (England); Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN: 0750605820

Risk assessment statement

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