655-451 Contact Lenses

655-330, 655-341, 655-028, 655-321, 655-351 and Microbiology 526-306.

Optometry 655-321; 655-341; 655-028 or 655-328; 655-330 or 655-332; 655-351 or 655-359; and Microbiology 526-306.

Optometry 655-430, 655-441 and 655-461.

On completion of this subject, students should have a broad understanding of contact lens practice. The subject covers the underlying physiological and optical principles of contact lenses, the measurement of contact lens specifications using relevant instrumentation, the handling of contact lenses and routine procedures for cleaning and disinfecting hard and soft contact lenses, the insertion and removal of hard and soft contact lenses; the conduct of a preliminary examination for contact lenses, techniques for assessment of the physical fit of contact lenses on the eye, the rationales behind current methods of fitting the various types of contact lenses including the high Dk soft extended wear lenses and the recognition, interpretation and management of signs and symptoms and abnormal conditions which may be induced by contact lens wear.

Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester (10%); a 2000 word written assignment due during the semester (10%); a 30-minute written examination held mid-semester (10%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (70%). Satisfactory completion of all components of assessment is necessary to pass the subject.

• N Efron (ed), Contact Lens Practice. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2003 (or later edition).