Course

Opticianry Theory I

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Opticianry
Course code
OPTI 1100
Credits
5.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course provides the introductory theory related to eyeglass dispensing. Topics include: basic mathematical calculations used in practice; optics, anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye; instruments and tools used in practice; frames, lenses, analysis and interpretation of prescriptions; surgical refractive alternatives, and professional standards of practice.
Course content

Geometric Optics

  • Signed arithmetic, review of basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry necessary to evaluate optical formulas
  • Metric system of measurements
  • Proper use of a scientific calculator in optics
  • Review of right angle triangles
  • Theories of light - waves vs. particles
  • The electromagnetic spectrum
  • Deviation of light by different mediums - refractive index
  • Ophthalmic prisms
  • Snell's Law and other related optical formulae
  • Calculations for surface curvature and focal power
  • The refractive power of lenses and power crosses

Visual Optics

  • Terminology related to ocular anatomy and conditions of the eye
  • Anatomy of the eye using Gullstrand's Eye diagram
  • Functional processes of the eye
  • Extraocular muscles, eyelids and tear film
  • Refractive errors
  • Refractive Surgery - basic concepts
  • Aging of the eye from youth to presbyopia - accommodation
  • Ocular pathology, conditions and abnormalities including strabismus, cataracts and glaucoma
  • Colour vision, tints and coatings

Practical Optics

  • Terminology related to optical instruments and ophthalmic lenses
  • Equipment for dispensing eyeglasses including the lensometer, pupilometer, distometer, lens clock, ruler and thickness callipers
  • Measurements for eyeglass dispensing
  • Interpreting simple prescriptions
  • Transposing prescriptions
  • Tolerances for dispensing eyeglasses
  • Code of ethics and standards of practice
  • Orientation to College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) regulations
  • Responsibilities to the consumer

Communication and Interaction with Patients

  • Cultural safety and humility
  • Patient-provider relationships
  • Informed consent
  • Patient file documentation
  • Appropriate patient referral
Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Application/calculation exercises in classroom
  • Independent study
  • Assignment
Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

  • Professionalism, preparedness, and attendance 0-5%
  • Assignments 10-20%
  • Term tests 45-60%
  • Final exam 25-30%
  • Total 100%

 

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • perform the signed arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry necessary to evaluate optical formulas;
  • state the theory and application of ophthalmic lenses;
  • calculate lens powers, prism powers and magnification;
  • define ophthalmic terms relating to lenses and prisms;
  • define ophthalmic terms relating to anatomical and physiological functions of the eye and its associated structures;
  • define terms related to normal vision and common disorders of the visual system;
  • define the propagation of light, dioptric measurements and surface powers;
  • define spherical lens design, fundamental aspects of cylindrical lenses, sphero-cylindrical lens design;
  • perform sphero-cylinder transposition;
  • define interpupillary distance measurement, frame selection and simple prescription analysis;
  • state quality standards, effective patient communication and professionalism, and feature-benefit analysis;
  • define regulations and legal requirements governing opticians;
  • incorporate cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices;
  • state the history and ongoing effects of colonization on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, including disparities of power in patient-provider relationships;
  • identify situations where informed consent may be problematic and take appropriate steps to ensure patient understanding;
  • adhere to infection prevention and control measures established by jurisdiction and national regulatory bodies;
  • document patient visits to allow for effective continuity of care.

 

 

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Stein, Stein and Freeman, The Ophthalmic Assistant: A Text for Allied and Associated Ophthalmic Personnel, current edition, Elsevier

Requisites

Prerequisites

Students in the OPTI program are required to maintain a passing grade of 60% (C) in all courses except Mastery graded courses in order to progress in the program.

Corequisites

Courses listed here must be taken simultaneously with this course.

OPTI 1112

Equivalencies

DOPT 1100

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for OPTI 1100
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025