Lecture: 60 hrs/semester
- Lecture
- Application / calculation exercises
- Independent study
College of Opticians of British Columbia website resources
Technological changes and trends in contact lens history
Basic anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the visual system
- anatomy of the visual system
- physiology of the visual system using Gullstrand's eye model
- pathology of the visual system
- the use of lasers in treatment of ocular disease
- contact lens related defects of the visual system
Focus on the cornea
- corneal natomy
- corneal physiology
- maintenance of corneal transparency
Instrumentation
- biomicroscopy
- keratometry
- automated corneal topography
- contact lens inspection and verification
- contact lens simulation software
Automated refraction
- refraction equipment
- refraction process
- tonometry
- contraindications
- jurisprudence
Refractive surgery
- corneal refractive surgery
- intraocular refractive surgery
- lasers in refractive surgery
Contact lens materials, design, and fitting
- soft lens materials
- gas permeable materials
- silicone hydrogel materials
- basic fitting philosophies
- toric contact lens designs
Visual optics
- spherical equivalent calculations
- diopter conversion formula
- vertex distance compensation formula
- tear lens compensation
- residual astigmatism calculation
- calculation software
- convergence and accommodation
- magnification and minification of Image Size
Contact lens solutions
- preservatives in contact lens solutions
- proper use of contact lens solutions
- potential side effects of contact lens solutions
- patient education and training
Communication and interaction with patients
- cultural safety and humility
- patient-provider relationships
- informed consent
- patient file documentation
- appropriate patient referral
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- identify the important people, events and key trends pertaining to the historical development of contact lenses
- describe the anatomy and physiology of the human visual system
- identify and describe pathological conditions of the human visual system
- identify the contact lens instruments used in a contact lens practice
- identify the equipment and their functions in the refraction process
- identify the steps required to complete an assessment of refractive error during the course of the process of refraction
- identify the respective areas of the professional standards of practice pertaining to the automated refraction process
- identify and describe the corneal and intraocular refractive surgical procedures and their implications on contact lens wear
- describe the design of contact lenses and related parameters
- define and calculate basic ophthalmic optical units of measurements
- discuss professional standards of practice with respect to contact lenses in areas pertaining to tools required, optical tolerances, professional conduct, and the accepted practices for the use of autorefractors/automated systems.
- 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
Evaluation will be carried out 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 5-10%
- Term tests 40-60%
- Final exam 25-30%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Efron, Contact Lens Practice, current edition, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier
OPTI 1310 or meeting requirements for direct entrance into the second year of the program.