Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit continues the clinical practice of specialist areas within optometry: contact lens practice, binocular vision, paediatric optometry and vision rehabilitation. Through further clinical practice in these areas, students will increase their knowledge and skill base in specialized clinical practice to allow a transition to independent practice

Aims

The aim of this unit is to further develop clinical experience in optometric practice in a clinical primary health care setting in specialist areas of optometric practice (contact lens practice, binocular vision and vision rehabilitation) to a level commensurate with entry level professional competencies

Objectives

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

1. design and implement in a competent manner problem-specific eye examinations in areas of specialist optometric practice at a level consistent with entry level practice
2. apply knowledge gained in the areas of contact lens fitting and consultation techniques, paediatric optometry, binocular vision anomalies, the management of patients with myopia, and the rehabilitation of patients with low vision
3. formulate, review and revise treatment and management plans for patients under care in specialized areas of practice
4. differentially diagnose binocular visual disorders
5. differentially diagnose contact lens related problems
6. apply effective communication skills in dealing with patients and other health professionals

Postgraduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding in optometric practice


• Professional knowledge and skills in optometric practice


• Mastery of specialized clinical skills commensurate with entry level practice


• Ability to act independently

Graduate capabilities further addressed in this unit include:

• knowledge and practical skills pertinent to the practice of optometry


• effective communication skills


• ability to work independently and collaboratively


• social and ethical responsibility


• critical and analytical thinking


• effective problem-solving skills in applied clinical contexts


• characteristics of self-reliance

Content

Throughout the clinic units in final year, increasing responsibility is placed on students to develop their clinical decision making skills and formulate appropriate management of patients presenting for eye care in practice.

• Patient care: contact lens practice, binocular vision assessment, vision rehabilitation


• clinical specialist contact lens practice: pre-fitting evaluation, contact lens fitting and aftercare


• decision making in specialist optometric practice


• differential diagnosis of binocular vision disorders


• management and treatment plans in binocular disorders


• low vision assessment and visual rehabilitation


• spectacle and lens dispensing, contact lens dispensing


• case management


• problem solving in contact lens practice, binocular vision assessment

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is taught in a similar manner to other clinical units, in that students examine patients presenting for eye examinations. You will undertake clinical practice in contact lens clinic, binocular vision clinic, paediatric optometry and the vision rehabilitation clinic under supervision of qualified and registered optometrists. Clinical practice in these areas will be supported by tutorials with emphasis placed on case management and problem solving, differential diagnoses, with reference to current and developing clinical management strategies in these areas of practice.

You will be expected to demonstrate readiness to take on the role of a primary care independent practitioner, by assuming the primary role in determining the care given to your patients within the clinic

Assessment

Patient encounters are assessed in both a formative way to provide feedback regarding development of clinical skills, and in a summative way toward the end of the unit. Assessment of patient consultations may include an oral examination component. Feedback will be provided throughout the clinical sessions on progress and development of your clinical practice.

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: Assessment of patient encounters
A number of patient encounters will be assessed throughout the semester, concentrating on ability to solve clinical problems through a problem oriented clinical routine, and the ability to communicate effectively with a patient. Greater emphasis is placed on clinical diagnostic and management skills in this later clinical practice unit, with the expectation that you will take on the primary role.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 6
Weight: 70%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Assignment: case reports and case presentations:
You will be required to present both written and oral case presentations of patient encounters, with critical appraisal of your investigation and management of the patient, evaluating these against your knowledge of the science forming the basis for effective practice.
Relates to objectives: 2 to 6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

TBA

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: 07-Oct-2011