Course Description
This course provides theory related to eyeglass dispensing at an advanced level. The following content areas are presented: detailed information regarding various instruments used in Optometry and Ophthalmology, specific aspects of optics, detailed information related to lenses for various eye conditions as well as for vocational and specialty lenses, surgical alternatives, analysis and interpretation of selected properties, business practices and professional standards of practice.
Course Content
Geometric Optics II
- The refractive power of lenses - advanced including aberrations and distortions
- Base curves, lens materials and coatings
- Calculate the vertex powers of a lens
- Effective & compensated powers due to vertex distance changes
- Image jump in bifocals
- Prismatic effects in bifocals
- Prismatic effects at NVP of multifocal lenses
- Vertical prismatic imbalance & correction in any prescription
- Prism (wanted and unwanted) with bifocals
- Adding prisms together from different meridians
- Separating prism into different meridians
- Adding two prescriptions together
Visual Optics II
- Visual fields and visual pathways
- Conditions requiring high powered lenses
- Designs of high powered lenses
- Lens materials & frames for special prescriptions
- Presbyopic corrections - dispensing; lens design/construction
- Vocational lenses and Low Vision Aids
- Dispensing lenses by solving problems
- Refractive surgery - advanced including ALK and Lasik
- The refracting process
- Ultrasonic scans, cataract surgery and IOLs
Practical Optics II
- Terminology related to optical instruments and ophthalmic lenses - advanced
- Functions of instruments used in Ophthalmology, Optometry and Contact Lens Fitting including the keratometer, biomicroscope, Radiuscope, phoropter, ophthalmoscope, retinoscope, tonometer, autorefractor and corneal topographer
- Neutralization of multifocal and specialty lenses
- Interpretation of complex prescriptions
- Lens information by manufacturer
- Standards of practice review
- Professional ethics
- Supervision and responsibility
- Client management
- Professional selling techniques
Records management
Learning Activities
- Lecture
- Application / Calculation exercises in classroom
- Independent study of courseware
- Independent completion of post tests
- Completion of field assignments
Means of Assessment
The course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College evaluation policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion the student will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of multifocal lenses, application of multifocal lenses
- Be able to give an in depth analysis of the optics of ophthalmic prisms
- Discuss advanced principles of optics and ophthalmic lens design
- Discuss, in depth, prescription analysis as it relates to dispensing and ordering eyewear for advanced prescription types
- Discuss advanced measurement taking and frame selection for advanced prescription types
- Perform an analysis of and calculations on absorptive lenses, vertical imbalance, vertex distance
- Perform advanced evaluation of patient needs
- Discuss in depth the theories of light, refracting surfaces, effects of refracting mediums on rays of light and an in depth study of magnification
- Retain knowledge of intermediate and advanced theory and formulae
- Perform intermediate and advanced optical assessments and optical calculations
- Describe the visual process in detail as well as label and describe the function of each part of the eye
- Describe appropriate patient care – ocular pathology and treatment
- Discuss basic optical business management, current eye care trends and practices
Textbook Materials
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.