Principles of Ophthalmic Nursing

Overview

Registration opens 22 April 2013.

This course has been developed by the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Queensland Inc. in conjunction with QUT. The aim of this unit is to provide students with contemporary knowledge and skills to meet the health needs of people with a variety of eye disorders. Knowledge and skills developed during this unit will enable you to provide high quality care in your practice as an ophthalmic nurse, and give you the ability to think critically when planning and providing ophthalmic care. Who should participate

Registered nurses enrolled in this course should have at least 3 months' experience working with patients requiring ophthalmic care.

You should also be employed at least part time in ophthalmic practice. This enables you to submit a clinical portfolio as part of the overall assessment of the unit.

Delivery
External:
  • Online
  • Correspondence
When:

The course is offered annually and is designed to be completed over 15 weeks, during the university semester.

The course commences 29 July 2013 and completes 15 November 2013.

Details: This course is conducted externally. We'll post you a course outline, study guide and readings in CD format. You don't need to be on campus during the course. You need reliable mail and internet access to complete the course.
Cost

Course fee: $1,250 (includes course readings on CD Rom; GST)

Plus required text book: Marsden, J. (2006) Ophthalmic Care, Wiley, West Sussex ($99.50 plus postage and handling, when purchased through the QUT Bookshop)

Credit eligibility

Eligible for credit/admission

If you successfully complete the modules and assessment, you will receive a QUT-endorsed Certificate of Completion.

This course can be credited towards 1 unit of postgraduate study in our School of Nursing.

As awards vary from state to state with regard to payment for qualifications, you may need to seek advice from your employer about recognition and remuneration for this course.

Contact

For further information about course content or assessment, please contact Yvonne Osborne.

For registration or payments enquiries, please contact the Office of Continuing Professional Education.


Details

Registration opens 22 April 2013.

Course contents

  • Overview: Role of the nurse in ophthalmology
  • Module 1: Ocular anatomy and physiology
  • Module 2: Optics and care of the patient with an error of refraction
  • Module 3: Role of the ophthalmic nurse as educator
  • Module 4: Ophthalmic pharmacology, patient safety and nursing responsibilities
  • Module 5: Ophthalmic assessment of the patient
  • Module 6: Care of the patient presenting with acute problems
  • Module 7: The lens and care of the patient with cataract
  • Module 8: The angle, aqueous and care of the patient with glaucoma
  • Module 9: The retina, vitreous and care of the patient with a condition of the retina

Outcome

After successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • apply knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology and optics to care decisions for patients in the ophthalmic setting
  • discuss common ocular disease processes, including macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease
  • use critical thinking to plan individualised care for a variety of patients with ophthalmic conditions
  • use principles of education to promote health, prevent disease and support patient autonomy in the ophthalmic setting
  • apply principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics relating to ophthalmic practice
  • explain the applications and associated safety considerations of specific treatments to ophthalmic patients
  • critically analyse a variety of sources including research, practice literature and policy documents in order to improve ophthalmic nursing practice.

Course Assessment

Formative assessment

  • Online activities on the university Blackboard site at the end of each module

Summative assessment

  • Clinical case study of your choice
  • Clinical portfolio recording completion of activities contained in each of the modules

Course Coordinator

Amanda Wylie

Amanda has over 20 years' experience in ophthalmic nursing at various levels and in a wide range of practice settings. She has had extensive involvement in the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Queensland Inc (AONAQ) and has been a member of that organisation since 1994, serving on the Executive Committee for 18 of those years. Amanda is currently involved in contributing to the development of the Professional Practice Standards for Ophthalmic Nurses in Australia. She has a Masters in Nursing (Health Services), a Postgraduate Certificate in Ophthalmic Nursing and Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching, and is a member of the Royal College of Nursing Australia.

Contact details: amandawylie@iprimus.com.au

Register

Registration opens 22 April 2013.

Payment

When you register for the course, you will create an account with us and pay your fees online by credit or debit card.

You will be able to access your account, including your invoice, using your email address and password.

FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP are not available for Continuing Professional Education courses.

Cancellations

Registration cancellations will not be accepted unless made in writing to the Course Manager, either by mail, facsimile or email (cpe@qut.edu.au).

Cancellations received at least 10 business days before the course commences will receive a full refund.

Cancellations received less than 10 business days before the course commences will be charged a $50 administration fee and refunded the balance.

No registration refunds will be made after the course has started.

QUT reserves the right to cancel the course should circumstances warrant, such as low registrations. In such event you will be advised without delay and a full refund of fees will be paid. QUT is not responsible for any expenses you may have incurred if the course is cancelled.