655-420 Occupational and Community Optometry

This subject is only available to BOptom students.

Students must have passed all subjects at third-year level.

Optometry 655-410.

The subject covers specifically, the principles underlying the setting and administration of visual standards, human factors engineering of the task and environment to improve visual performance, the principles of illuminating engineering, vision screening as a public health measure and the principles of accident prevention and their application to the prevention of eye injuries. A series of lectures deals with ethics, practice standards, the law in relation to optometry, and practice management.

The general purpose of this subject is to acquaint students with the concepts of public health and the role of optometry in community health and to have a well-developed sense of their ethical, professional and legal responsibilities. The subject also sets out to provide students with the skills to provide advice to industry and commerce on visual ergonomics, visual standards and occupational eye protection. On completion of this subject, student should have acquired the following key generic skills: the ability to confront and solve unfamiliar problems, effective time management, and an understanding of the significance and value of a profession to the wider community.

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (75%); and small assignments throughout the year (25%)

• D G Pitts and R N Kleinstein, Environmental Vision. Butterworth-Heinemann, 1993.