OPTOM (Optometry and Vision Science)
Stage I
OPTOM 216B - Introduction to Optometry (15 pts)🏳
A clinically-focused course introducing students to optometric practice and addressing, at an introductory level, the ethical, cultural, theoretical and clinical aspects of the optometric examination. Topics covered include: preliminary tests from the eye examination, communication skills and clinical problem solving. The course will emphasise assessment utilising advanced equipment and the production of clinically relevant outcomes and diagnosis-supportive hypotheses.
OPTOM 263A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 263B - Essential Optics (15 pts)🏳
An introduction to optics relevant to optometry and necessary to understand the optical performance of the eye, the design of ophthalmic lens applications, and the principles of operation of clinical instrumentation. Topics include; the basic principles of physical optics, the principles of image formation by lenses and lens systems mirrors and prisms, optics of the eye, ocular ametropia and aberrations.
OPTOM 272A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 272B - Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual (15 pts)🏳
System Anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual pathway. Topics include composition and structure of the tear film, neural processing in the visual cortex, aspects of visual function including spatial and temporal vision, motion perception and colour vision. Investigation of visual perception using psychophysical and electrophysiological techniques.
OPTOM 292A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 292B - Issues in Optometry (7.5 pts)🏳
Topics of special interest to students entering Optometry from overseas and from the graduate entry quota.
Stage III
OPTOM 316A - (30 pts)🏳
OPTOM 316B - Optometry (30 pts)🏳
An integrative approach to the scope of optometric practice, addressing both the theoretical basis and clinical practice of the optometric examination, correction of refractive error and dispensing of optical appliances. Topics covered include: visual acuity, visual fields, colour vision, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, refractive examination, binocular examination, optical correction, lens materials and coatings, history taking, communication skills and clinical problem solving.
OPTOM 345A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 345B - Principles of Ocular Pharmacology (7.5 pts)🏳
General principles of pharmacology. Pharmacodynamics. Drug absorption, distribution and metabolism. Mechanism of drug action at receptors. Drugs and their application on ophthalmic practice. The autonomic nervous system: anatomy and physiology. Mechanisms of action of ocular pharmaceutical agents. Principles of pharmacological treatment of ocular disease. Drug interactions. Legislation on use of ocular pharmaceutical agents by optometrists in New Zealand and internationally. Introduction to therapeutic agents in optometric practice. Scope of treatment. Shared care.
OPTOM 353A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 353B - Ocular Pathology (7.5 pts)🏳
Pathophysiology of the eye. Histopathology of eye disease. Pathology of orbit, lacrimal system, conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, lens and retina. Developmental anomalies of the eye.
OPTOM 375A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 375B - Visual Science 2 (7.5 pts)🏳
To provide an understanding of visual information processing in human brain. In particular the cortical processing of shape, motion and colour, and development of the visual cortex will be addressed. A problem-oriented approach will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will acquire the ability to seek, evaluate and retrieve scientific information on which to base their clinical practice.
OPTOM 392A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 392B - Issues in Optometry 2 (7.5 pts)🏳
Stage IV
OPTOM 416A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 416B - Clinical Optometry (15 pts)🏳
Facilitates the transition from student to professional optometrist. Topics addressed include: structuring the routine optometric examination in a clinical setting, diagnosis and management of disorders of the visual system, case analysis, myopia control, visual ergonomics, vision screening, and visual standards. This course culminates in students examining and managing clients in the public University Clinics under supervision.
OPTOM 430A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 430B - Contact Lens Practice (7.5 pts)🏳
Principles of contact lens fitting and clinical procedures used in contact lens practice. Topics include: current designs of contact lenses, soft and rigid materials used in contact lens manufacture, contact lens optics and verification techniques, contact lens fitting, patient contact lens care, and complications associated with contact lens wear.
OPTOM 442A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 442B - Optometry for Special Populations (7.5 pts)🏳
An advanced clinical course including consideration of visual disorders specific to children, adults with binocular vision abnormalities, or those with visual impairment including the older population. Topics include: developmental aspects and assessment of infants/children, investigation and management of binocular eye-movement disorders; and diagnosis and management of vision problems in visually impaired patients including electronic, optical and non-optical low vision appliances.
OPTOM 450A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 450B - Diseases of the Eye and Visual System: Diagnosis and (15 pts)🏳
Management Signs, symptoms and diagnosis of diseases of the eye, ocular adnexa and visual system, including neurological dysfunction and signs of systemic disease. Management of diseases of eye, ocular adnexa and visual system, including the use of therapeutic agents. Indications, contraindications and side effects of therapeutic agents for the treatment of ocular disease.
OPTOM 492A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 492B - Issues in Optometry 3 (7.5 pts)🏳
Stage V
OPTOM 510A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 510B - Advanced Clinical Optometry 1 (15 pts)🏳
Clinical work with responsibility, under supervision, for patients.
OPTOM 520A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 520B - Advanced Clinical Optometry 2 (15 pts)🏳
Clinical work with greater emphasis on particular areas in optometry including: contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision, paediatric optometry and practice management.
OPTOM 560A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 560B - Optometry in Practice (15 pts)🏳
Supervised clinical work in locations external to the Grafton Campus Optometry Clinic. These locations may include University satellite clinics, private optometry practice, hospital eye departments, overseas institutions, or experience in other approved locations. Lectures address; legislation relevant to healthcare including registration and competency, occupational safety and health, ethics, practice management, small business management.
OPTOM 561A - (30 pts)🏳
OPTOM 561B - Optometry in Practice (30 pts)🏳
Advanced clinical work experience in locations external to the Grafton Campus Optometry Clinic. These locations may include University satellite clinics, private optometry practices, hospital eye departments, private ophthalmology practices, overseas institutions, or other approved locations. Topics include; therapeutic management of eye disease, legislation relevant to healthcare including registration and competency, occupational safety and health, ethics, practice management, small business management.
OPTOM 570A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 570B - Research in Advanced Optometric Science (15 pts)🏳
Study modules on a range of topics in optometry and vision science, with the focus being on developing an evidence- based approach on selected topics. Study will include supervised investigations into an approved topic relating to optometry and vision science, including clinical and applied research.
OPTOM 592A - (7.5 pts)🏳
OPTOM 592B - Issues in Optometry 4 (7.5 pts)🏳
A number of special topics in Clinical Skills. Further information may be obtained from the School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
OPTOM 751A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 751B - Special Study in Vision Science (15 pts)🏳
The study of selected fields of vision science at an advanced level with detailed study of a particular field. The topic will be prescribed by the Head of School.
OPTOM 752A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 752B - Special Study (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 757A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 757B - Special Study in Optometry (15 pts)🏳
The study of selected fields of optometry at an advanced level with detailed study of the particular field. The topic will be prescribed by the Head of School.
OPTOM 759A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 759B - Special Study (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 783A - (15 pts)🏳
OPTOM 783B - Research Project in Vision Science - Level 9 (15 pts)🏳
Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent inquiry at an advanced level into an approved topic related to vision science.
OPTOM 791A - (45 pts)🏳
OPTOM 791B - Research Portfolio in Clinical Optometry - Level 9 (45 pts)🏳
Advanced clinical optometry research in a chosen sub- specialist area of optometric practice. The area of special interest may include contact lenses, low vision, paediatric optometry, binocular vision, ocular disease management, or any other area approved by the Head of School.