Overview
This course has been developed by the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Queensland Inc. in conjunction with QUT.
This course aims to provide students with contemporary, evidence based knowledge and skills to meet the health needs of patients with a variety of eye disorders. The course challenges you to expand your scope of practice and to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of ophthalmic practice.

Evolve with QUTeX
The knowledge and skills you develop during this course 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?
This subject is aimed at Registered and Enrolled nurses, who have at least 3 months experience working with patients requiring ophthalmic care. Additionally, students should be employed at least part-time in ophthalmic practice. This criterion enables the student to submit a clinical portfolio as part of the overall assessment of the unit.
Your expert facilitators Amanda Wylie and Carmen Newman
Mrs Amanda Wylie (Course Co-ordinator)
Amanda has over 20 years experience in ophthalmic nursing at various levels and in a wide range of practice settings. She is currently working in education and research in ophthalmology. Amanda has had extensive involvement in the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Queensland Inc (AONAQ) and has been a member of that organisation since 1994. Amanda is currently involved in contributing to the development of the Practice Standard for Ophthalmic Nurses in Australia. Amanda holds a Masters in Nurse (Health Services), Postgraduate Certificate in Ophthalmic Nursing and Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching and is a member of the Australian College of Nursing.
Learn more about Amanda Wylie
Mrs Carmen Newman (Assistant Course Co-ordinator)
Carmen has over 15 years experience in ophthalmic nursing at various levels and in a wide range of practice settings, including 2 years working in the developing world teaching health professionals in ophthalmic nursing. Carmen has had extensive involvement in the AONAQ and has served on the Executive Committee for the last 6 years. Carmen is currently involved in contributing to the development of the Practice Standard for Ophthalmic Nurses in Australia. Carmen holds a Bachelor of Nursing and Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Innovation.
Core concepts
Through this 15 week course, you be introduced to the following topics;
- Role of the Nurse in Ophthalmology, ocular anatomy and physiology
- Optics and care of the patient with an error of retraction
- The ophthalmic nurse as educator
- Ophthalmic pharmacology
- Ophthalmic assessment of the patient
- Care of the patient presenting with acute problems
- The lens and care of the patient with cataract
- The angle, aqueous and care of the patient with glaucoma
- The retina, vitreous and care of the patient with a condition of the retina
Details
Where and when
This course is conducted externally (online and via correspondence). A course outline, study guide and readings will be provided online.
The course is offered to registered and enrolled nurses, and is designed to be completed over 15 weeks, during the university semester.
When:
2021 registrations are now closed. 2022 dates TBA.
Certification
You will receive a QUT-endorsed certificate of completion once you successfully complete the modules and assessment. As awards and payment for qualifications varies between states, you may need to seek advice from your employer about recognition and remuneration for this course.
If you successfully complete this course and you are accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Nursing, you can apply for advanced standing (credit) for one elective unit worth 12 credit points.
Cost
*Please note, the below fees are indicative only.
Registration type | Cost |
---|---|
Early Bird registration | $1,215 (GST exclusive) |
Standard registration | $1,350 (GST exclusive) |
QUT Alumni registration | $1,012.50 (GST exclusive) |
Group registration* (5 or more from the same organisation) | $1,215 (GST exclusive) per person |
*For group registrations, please email QUTeX for further instructions.
Fees include access to online learning materials via Blackboard (QUT's interactive learning tool).
You will also need to purchase the required text book: Shaw, Mary E.; Lee, Agnes. (2016) Ophthalmic Nursing, Fifth Edition. ISBN 9781482249767. Cost: $86.95 (approximately) + postage and handling, when purchased through the QUT Bookshop
More details
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.
Customised and contextualised for your organisation
QUTeX can work closely with your organisation to develop and deliver learning solutions to help build capability and achieve your specific business objectives.
Join a growing community of leading Australian organisations creating results-driven learning solutions with QUTeX, in industries including government, financial and professional services, health and community, construction and mining, retail, education, agribusiness and more. Get started today.