Handbook

This course provides an introduction to the basic and clinical sciences related to the use of therapeutic agents in primary care optometry. The focus is on the practical clinical needs of the student. In the basic sciences, there is a review of biochemistry with emphasis on physiological processes and how they can be affected by drug actions. The principles of pharmacology and how they impact therapeutic management are presented and discussed. Microbiology, immunology, inflammation and pathology are reviewed with a strong emphasis on ocular infection and inflammation. Ocular therapeutics and their use in primary care optometry will be covered with reference to diagnosis and management of anterior eye disease, including disorders of the cornea, conjunctiva, adnexae, uvea, lacrimal system as well as glaucoma. The topic of co-management is discussed in relation to glaucoma and ocular surgery. The legislative aspects of therapeutic prescribing by optometrists in Australia and New Zealand will also be presented.