655-332 Functional Disorders of Vision II

This subject is only available to BOptom students.

Special requirements: Students should have an approved direct ophthalmoscope and retinoscope, gonioprism, binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, two fundus lenses epilation forceps, two white coats, pre-focused pen torch or transilluminator, inter-pupillary rule, a set of optical screwdrivers, cover paddle, phoria card and a set of four flippers. Students are strongly advised to purchase their own equipment which they will continue to use in 4^th-5^th year and after graduation. However, those students who do not have their own equipment will be able to borrow equipment for classes. Students are required to conform to prescribed dress and conduct requirements when assigned to all clinical duties with patients.

Approval from the Head of Department.

This subject gives a detailed account of the nature, origins, course, treatment and prognosis of the congenital and developmental disorders of vision and provides training in the optometric procedures for the examination of the eyes and for the treatment of visual disorders. On completion of the subject students will be able to investigate patients' visual problems, make a diagnosis and plan an appropriate course of management. Topics include refractive anomalies of the eye including explanations of the origin and development of refractive errors and methods of refraction; the clinical assessment of accommodation including presbyopia; the clinical assessment and treatment of ocular motility and binocular vision; disorders of the light sense; and strategies of problem solving, history taking and case assessment. Practical sessions introduce students to the methods of determination of refraction, assessment and treatment of disorders of ocular motility and binocular coordination, and the detection of ocular disease. Students are required to complete weekly assignments to develop their clinical skills. In the latter part of Semester 2, students undertake clinical practice and the examination of patients in the clinic.

Reports on clinical methods assignments and two patient assessments during the semester (15%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (85%). Satisfactory completion of the practical and written examination components and the clinical practice is necessary to pass the subject.

• A G Bennett and R B Rabbetts, Clinical Visual Optics. 3rd edn, Butterworths, 1998.
• M Scheiman and B Wick, Clinical Management of Binocular Vision. Philadelphia Lippincott, 1994.
• K Zadnik, The Ocular Examination, Measurements and Findings. W B Saunders, 1997.