Module code: OPT6017-D
To provide students with clinical practice in all aspects of optometry. An introduction to the College of Optometrists pre-reg year. To provide a structure that allows the student to deal safely, accurately, efficiently & courteously with patients who present for examination in an optometric practice or clinic and to dispense, if required, a suitable optical prescription. To discuss refractive surgery options. To stimulate an understanding of the structure of the profession of optometry & the laws & standards governing the optometrist, to provide an introduce the concept of profession' ethics
Patient/practitioner interaction. Differential diagnosis. Difficulties in prescribing and counselling & professional, legal & ethical aspects of optometric practice. Visual impairment: management options, training methods & strategies for maximising visual performance. Description, classification & evaluation of binocular vision anomalies. Taking a good case history. Communication & clinical approaches with children. Management of heterophoria & strabismus. Dyslexia - assessment & treatment. Suitability for contact lens wear. Case history taking. Experience of ocular abnormality & pathology gained from hospital visits & Referral Refinement Clinics. Different refractive surgery techniques are compared, particularly in relation to their advantages & disadvantages to the patient. Development of the profession of optometry. The optical market. Setting up a practice & the key elements in running a successful business including a business plan, marketing strategy, effective communication & basic accounting is introduced. English law, particularly the laws of contract, tort and negligence & the way they impact optometrists is discussed. Opticians Act & other legislation regulating the profession, the professional bodies & professional standards & ethics & the rules regarding fitness to practise is covered in detail. Optometry within the National Health Service & the current & future roles of Optometry in provision of health care is included. Referral & case record keeping, employment law, Equality Act, Mental Capacity Act. Vision standards.
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