Handbook

OPTM6421 will further develop the integration of student knowledge of the basic sciences with clinical competency in the areas of binocular vision, low vision and paediatrics.  Students will be introduced to the care and assessment of paediatric patients and patients with strabismus, amblyopia, nystagmus, and/or low vision or severe visual impairment. Students will need to apply knowledge from earlier courses such as ocular disease, physiology and optics in order to prescribe visual aids which best alleviate the detrimental effects of visual deficits. The course will be delivered using lectures, tutorials, practical classes and self-directed learning.

Brief Curriculum:  Binocular vision: amblyopia, comitant and noncomitant strabismus. Low vision – aids, current low vision aids, adaptive technology, the multidisciplinary mode of practice. Children's vision: examining children, vision therapy, introduction to behavioural (neuro-developmental) optometry, near point stress, optometric management of learning difficulties, special needs patients, child abuse.