Lecture: 4 hours/week
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities, such as lectures, group work, independent study, and application or calculation exercises.
1. Guidelines and Jurisprudence
- College of Health and Care Professionals of BC Guidelines
- Jurisprudence for Automated Refraction
2. Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the visual system
- Physiology of the visual system using Gullstrand's eye model
- Corneal anatomy
- Corneal physiology
- Maintenance of corneal transparency
3. Technological Changes and Trends
- Technological changes and trends in contact lens history
- Use of lasers in the treatment of ocular disease
- Corneal refractive surgery
- Intraocular refractive surgery
- Lasers in refractive surgery
4. Contact Lenses
- Soft lens materials
- Gas permeable materials
- Silicone hydrogel materials
- Hydrogel materials
- Basic fitting philosophies
- Toric contact lens designs
- Contact lens-related defects of the visual system
- Contact lens inspection and verification
- Contact lens simulation software
- Preservatives in contact lens solutions
- Proper use of contact lens solutions
- Potential side effects of contact lens solutions
5. Diagnostic Equipment and Techniques
- Biomicroscopy
- Keratometry
- Automated corneal topography
- Automated refraction
- Refraction equipment
- Refraction process
- Tonometry
6. Calculations and Formulas
- Spherical equivalent calculations
- Diopter conversion formula
- Vertex distance compensation formula
- Tear lens compensation
- Residual astigmatism calculation
- Calculation software
7. Patient Interaction and Care
- Patient education and training
- Communication and interaction with patients
- Cultural safety and humility
- Patient-provider relationships
- Informed consent
- Patient file documentation
- Appropriate patient referral
8. Visual System Adjustments
- Convergence and accommodation
- Magnification and minification of image size
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- identify important people, events, and key trends related to the historical development of contact lenses;
- describe the anatomy and physiology of the human visual system;
- identify and describe the pathological conditions of the human visual system;
- identify the contact lens instruments used in a contact lens practice;
- identify the equipment used in the refraction process, and explain the function of this equipment;
- outline the steps required to complete an assessment of refractive error during refraction;
- identify the respective areas of professional standards of practice related to the automated refraction process;
- identify and describe corneal and intraocular refractive surgical procedures and their implications on contact lens wear;
- describe the design features of contact lenses, including shape, material, and curvature, and explain how these design parameters affect lens performance and comfort for the wearer;
- define and calculate basic ophthalmic optical units of measurement, including spherical equivalent, diopter conversion, vertex distance compensation, tear lens compensation, and residual astigmatism;
- discuss professional standards of practice with respect to contact lenses, including tools required, optical tolerances, professional conduct, and 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 People of Canada, including disparities 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 jurisdictional and national regulatory bodies;
- document patient visits to support effective continuity of care.
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 (PPA): 0-5%
- Assignments: 5-10%
- Term tests: 25-35%
- Midterm: 20-30%
- Final exam: 25-35%
- Total: 100%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Efron. (Current Edition). Contact Lens Practice. Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier.
OPTI 1310, or meeting the requirements for direct entrance into the second year of the program.
Students in the OPTI Program are required to maintain a passing grade of 60% (C) in all courses, except Mastery-graded courses, to progress in the program.