Opticianry Theory II

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
OPTI 1200
Discontinued
No
Course code
OPTI 1200
Descriptive
Opticianry Theory II
Department
Opticianry
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
5.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15
Max class size
30
Contact hours

Lecture: 80 hrs/semester

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Application / Calculation exercises in classroom
  • Field assignment
Course description
This course provides the theory related to eyeglass dispensing at an advanced level. Topics include: detailed information regarding various instruments used in Opticianry, 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 material properties; business practices; and, professional standards of practice.
Course content

Geometric Optics

  • The refractive power of lenses - including aberrations and distortions
  • Base curves, lens materials and coatings
  • Front and back vertex powers of a lens
  • Effective & compensated lens powers due to vertex distance changes
  • Image jump in bifocals
  • Prismatic effects in bifocals
  • Prismatic effects at near visual point of multifocal lenses
  • Vertical prismatic imbalance & correction for any prescription
  • Induced and prescribed prism
  • Compounding and canceling prism

 Visual Optics

  • Visual field and visual pathway
  • Conditions requiring high powered lenses
  • Designs of high powered lenses
  • Lens materials & frames for specialty prescriptions
  • Presbyopic corrections - dispensing; lens design/construction
  • Vocational lenses and low vision aids
  • Dispensing lenses by meeting patient lifestyle needs
  • Refractive surgery procedures
  • The refracting process
  • Ultrasonic scans, cataract surgery and intraocular lenses

Practical Optics

  • Terminology related to optical instruments and ophthalmic lenses
  • 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
  • Patient management
  • Records management

Communication and Interaction with Patients

  • Cultural safety and humility
  • Patient-provider relationships
  • Informed consent
  • Patient file documentation
  • Appropriate patient referral
Learning outcomes

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

  • apply knowledge of multifocal lenses for determining appropriate presbyopic lens recommendations for the patient
  • describe ophthalmic prisms relative to the definition of a prism diopter 
  • discuss ophthalmic lens design with respect to front surface curvature
  • discuss the steps for ordering and dispensing eyewear
  • discuss advanced measurement taking and frame selection for free-form lens designs
  • describe absorptive lenses with respect to tint color, density, and wavelength
  • calculate vertical imbalance
  • define vertex distance
  • determine patient eyewear needs based on lifestyle
  • discuss theories of light, reflective surfaces, and effects of refracting mediums on rays of light
  • calculate image magnification or minification for a lens system
  • describe the visual pathway of the human eye 
  • label an eye diagram using Gullstrand's eye model
  • describe the function of eye structures
  • describe appropriate patient care – ocular pathology treatment
  • discuss basic optical business management, current eye care trends and practices
  • incorporate cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices
  • discuss 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
Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College 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  40-60%
  • Final exam 25-30%
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

Prerequisites

OPTI 1100 and OPTI 1112

Corequisites

OPTI 1210 and OPTI 1212

Which prerequisite

DOPT 1310