Module code: OPT4012-D
To stimulate a broad understanding of anatomical & functional relationships between the eye, the brain, & their supporting structures.
To develop knowledge of anatomy, physiology & immunology & their relationships to body systems including the eye. To develop knowledge of microbial causes of infection/disease & the ways in which they are diagnosed & controlled. To provide students with an introduction to the major classes of physiologically important molecules; & to introduce the function of such molecules in living cells & tissues, including the eye and related organs.
To outline the salient features of ophthalmic instrument design and to enable students to competently use clinical ophthalmic instruments as part of the optometrist`s role of assessing ocular health.
Anatomical & Physiological systems. Histology of tissues. Cellular functions. Nerve & muscle physiology and neuromuscular transmission. The cardiovascular system & blood. Principles of neurotransmission. Sensory receptors. Anatomy & physiology of the autonomic nervous system. Overview of drug metabolism, overview of integration of metabolism.
Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system.
Functioning of the immune system
Microbiology:
Overview of the microbial world. Structure & function of microbes & their nutritional & physiological requirements. The role of the human commensal microflora. Introduction to microbial disease. Infections of the eye.
Biochemistry:
Basic structural & functional features of lipids, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleic acids. Introduction to enzymes. Lipid & carbohydrate metabolism
Ocular surface (cornea, sclera, conjunctiva). Vascular structures (choroid, ciliary body, iris). Aqueous humour (formation, flow and drainage). Crystalline lens. Control of pupil & accommodation. Neural structures (retina, optic nerve). Octonometry (primarily non-contact); visual pathway assessment (perimetry, pupils).
The portfolio includes a completed record of studies in ocular anatomy & physiology & the development of practical skills in the techniques of slit lamp, indirect ophthalmoscopy, non-contact tonometry and perimetry.