Lecture: 60 hrs/semester
- lectures
- application / calculation exercises
- assignments
Introduction
- working relationships with ophthalmology and optometry
- regulatory body resources
Anatomy & physiology
- automated corneal topography
- physiological defects of the eye
- ocular tonometry
- ocular neurology
- ocular circulatory system
Refractive surgery
- corneal refractive surgery
- intraocular refractive surgery
- risks, complications and contraindications of refractive surgery
- equipment, instrumentation, and procedural analysis of refractive surgery procedures
Pharmacology
- ophthalmic diagnostic agents and their usage
- ophthalmic therapeutic agents and their usage
- contraindications to contact lens wear
- ocular medication databases
Contact lens business management
- contact lens instruments
- office computerization
- office organization and staffing
- inventory management
- billing and fee structures
- office booking systems
Soft and gas permeable contact lens fitting
- pre-fit ocular evaluation
- material selection
- parameter determination
- lens insertion and removal
- patient compliance
- solutions and accessories
- follow-up procedures
- complications and contraindications
Specialty and therapeutic contact lens applications
- healthy Eye Applications
- injured / Diseased Eye Applications
- refractive Surgery Applications
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:
- review and describe the corneal topography of a healthy eye
- review and describe pathology of the visual system
- identify the effects of ophthalmic ocular medications
- describe the aspects of a successful contact lens practice
- describe main concepts in refractive ocular surgery
- describe the complete process of a contact lens fitting
- recognize ocular situations that require referral for further care
- describe the specialty contact lens fitting concepts
- apply regulatory standards of practice relevant to contact lenses
- 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:
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Professionalism, preparedness, and attendance 0-5%
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Assignments 10-20%
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Term tests 45-60%
- 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.