655-121 Fundamentals of Optometric Science

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject aims to provide a basic understanding of vision functions, visual perception, ocular anatomy and anatomy of the visual pathways. Topics to be covered include: light, its measurement and quantification, the transmission characteristics of the eye and perceptual attributes. Anatomy of the eye and visual pathways as they relate to visual perception and refractive error (near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism). Detailed topographic anatomy of the orbit, eye and visual pathway, including the extra-ocular muscles and their actions. Experimental approaches used to measure sensory modalities (ie, threshold and suprathreshold psychophysical paradigms). Topics to include the fundamental attributes of our monocular processes such as: the perception of colour, temporal (flicker) vision, form (spatial) vision and the space sense. Basic binocular function including the perception of depth and stereopsis. Congenital and acquired visual anomalies will be used throughout the course to illustrate visual dysfunction, including structure/function relationships in the anatomical studies.

Assessment

A three hour written examination (comprising a combination of multiple choice and written answers), and a 30 minute practical examination, at the end of semester (15%). Practical work assessed throughout the semester will comprise 15% of the total mark.

Prescribed Texts

• Schwartz S H, Visual Perception: A Clinical Orientation. 2nd ed., Appleton and Lange, 1994.
• Bron A J, Tripathi R C and Tripathi B J, Wolff's Anatomy of the Eye and Orbit. 8th ed., Chpman and Hall, 1997.