Module code: OPT4004-B
To introduce the physiology of vision and perception as applied to the clinical study of optometry. To stimulate an understanding of the physical, physiological and psychological aspects of visual perception in the normal visual system. To provide a basis for understanding the design of some clinical tests of vision.
Lectures:
Methods for studying visual perception - an introduction. Overview of eye and vision. Evolution of eyes. Rods and cones. Light adaptation. Spectral sensitivity. Retinal physiology. Visual pathway. LGN and visual cortex. Illusions. Visual acuity. Electrophysiology. Visual psychophysics - stimuli, responses and procedures. The limits of vision - detection and discrimination. Spatial vision & contrast sensitivity. Temporal perception. Binocular vision - fusion, rivalry and sensitivity. Binocular vision - disparity, stereopsis and space perception. Colour perception - normal and abnormal. Entoptic phenomena.
Practicals:
Peripheral visual acuity. Psychophysical methods. Illusions. Contrast sensitivity function. Binocular vision. Colour vision.