Courses - Faculty of Medical And Health Sciences
Optometry and Vision Science
Stage I
How We See
Overview of the interdisciplinary study of human vision. The course introduces the biological/physiological organisation of the visual system, discusses the subjective nature of perception, and the implications of studies of biological visual systems for machine vision. Interdisciplinary understandings of vision will be enriched by the examination of historical paintings and artists’ visual experiences.
Stage II
Introduction to Optometry
A clinically-focused course introducing students to optometric practice and addressing, at an introductory level, the ethical, cultural, theoretical and clinical aspects of the optometric examination. Topics covered include: preliminary tests from the eye examination, communication skills and clinical problem solving. The course will emphasise assessment utilising advanced equipment and the production of clinically relevant outcomes and diagnosis-supportive hypotheses.
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 216 A and B
Essential Optics
An introduction to optics relevant to optometry and necessary to understand the optical performance of the eye, the design of ophthalmic lens applications, and the principles of operation of clinical instrumentation. Topics include; the basic principles of physical optics, the principles of image formation by lenses and lens systems mirrors and prisms, optics of the eye, ocular ametropia and aberrations.
Restriction: OPTOM 215, 262, 265
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 263 A and B
Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual System
Anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual pathway. Topics include composition and structure of the tear film, neural processing in the visual cortex, aspects of visual function including spatial and temporal vision, motion perception and colour vision. Investigation of visual perception using psychophysical and electrophysiological techniques.
Restriction: OPTOM 151, 170, 171
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 272 A and B
Stage III
Optometry
An integrative approach to the scope of optometric practice, addressing both the theoretical basis and clinical practice of the optometric examination, correction of refractive error and dispensing of optical appliances. Topics covered include: visual acuity, visual fields, colour vision, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, refractive examination, binocular examination, optical correction, lens materials and coatings, history taking, communication skills and clinical problem solving.
Restriction: OPTOM 211, 212, 265, 313, 314, 365, 366
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 316 A and B
Principles of Ocular Pharmacology
General principles of pharmacology. Pharmacodynamics. Drug absorption, distribution and metabolism. Mechanism of drug action at receptors. Drugs and their application on ophthalmic practice. The autonomic nervous system: anatomy and physiology. Mechanisms of action of ocular pharmaceutical agents. Principles of pharmacological treatment of ocular disease. Drug interactions. Legislation on use of ocular pharmaceutical agents by optometrists in New Zealand and internationally. Introduction to therapeutic agents in optometric practice. Scope of treatment. Shared care.
Prerequisite: OPTOM 171 or 272
Restriction: OPTOM 245
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 345 A and B
Ocular Pathology
Pathophysiology of the eye. Histopathology of eye disease. Pathology of orbit, lacrimal system, conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, lens and retina. Developmental anomalies of the eye.
Restriction: OPTOM 251
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 353 A and B
Visual Science 2
To provide an understanding of visual information processing in human brain. In particular the cortical processing of shape, motion and colour, and development of the visual cortex will be addressed. A problem-oriented approach will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will acquire the ability to seek, evaluate and retrieve scientific information on which to base their clinical practice.
Restriction: OPTOM 270
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 375 A and B
Stage IV
Clinical Optometry
Facilitates the transition from student to professional optometrist. Topics addressed include: structuring the routine optometric examination in a clinical setting, diagnosis and management of disorders of the visual system, case analysis, myopia control, visual ergonomics, vision screening, and visual standards. This course culminates in students examining and managing clients in the public University Clinics under supervision.
Restriction: OPTOM 312, 415
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 416 A and B
Contact Lens Practice
Principles of contact lens fitting and clinical procedures used in contact lens practice. Topics include: current designs of contact lenses, soft and rigid materials used in contact lens manufacture, contact lens optics and verification techniques, contact lens fitting, patient contact lens care, and complications associated with contact lens wear.
Restriction: OPTOM 330
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 430 A and B
Optometry for Special Populations
An advanced clinical course including consideration of visual disorders specific to children, adults with binocular vision abnormalities, or those with visual impairment including the older population. Topics include: developmental aspects and assessment of infants/children, investigation and management of binocular eye-movement disorders; and diagnosis and management of vision problems in visually impaired patients including electronic, optical and non-optical low vision appliances.
Restriction: OPTOM 341, 440, 441
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 442 A and B
Diseases of the Eye and Visual System: Diagnosis and Management
Signs, symptoms and diagnosis of diseases of the eye, ocular adnexa and visual system, including neurological dysfunction and signs of systemic disease. Management of diseases of eye, ocular adnexa and visual system, including the use of therapeutic agents. Indications, contraindications and side effects of therapeutic agents for the treatment of ocular disease.
Restriction: OPTOM 351, 352, 355
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 450 A and B
Stage V
Advanced Clinical Optometry 1
Clinical work with responsibility, under supervision, for patients.
Restriction: OPTOM 410
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 510 A and B
Advanced Clinical Optometry 2
Clinical work with greater emphasis on particular areas in optometry including: contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision, paediatric optometry and practice management.
Restriction: OPTOM 420
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 520 A and B
Optometry in Practice
Supervised clinical work in locations external to the Grafton Campus Optometry Clinic. These locations may include University satellite clinics, private optometry practice, hospital eye departments, overseas institutions, or experience in other approved locations. Lectures address; legislation relevant to healthcare including registration and competency, occupational safety and health, ethics, practice management, small business management.
Restriction: OPTOM 462
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 560 A and B
Optometry in Practice
Advanced clinical work experience in locations external to the Grafton Campus Optometry Clinic. These locations may include University satellite clinics, private optometry practices, hospital eye departments, private ophthalmology practices, overseas institutions, or other approved locations. Topics include; therapeutic management of eye disease, legislation relevant to healthcare including registration and competency, occupational safety and health, ethics, practice management, small business management.
Restriction: OPTOM 462, 560
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 561 A and B
Research in Advanced Optometric Science
Study modules on a range of topics in optometry and vision science, with the focus being on developing an evidence-based approach on selected topics. Study will include supervised investigations into an approved topic relating to optometry and vision science, including clinical and applied research.
Prerequisite: OPTOM 416, 430, 442, 450
Restriction: OPTOM 470, 473, 475, 480
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 570 A and B
Issues in Optometry 4
A number of special topics in Clinical Skills. Further information may be obtained from the School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Prerequisite: Permission of Head of School
Restriction: OPTOM 491
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 592 A and B
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Special Study in Vision Science
The study of selected fields of vision science at an advanced level with detailed study of a particular field. The topic will be prescribed by the Head of School.
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 751 A and B, or OPTOM 751
Special Study
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 752 A and B, or OPTOM 752
Special Study in Optometry
The study of selected fields of optometry at an advanced level with detailed study of the particular field. The topic will be prescribed by the Head of School.
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 757 A and B
Special Study
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 759 A and B, or OPTOM 759
Research Project in Vision Science - Level 9
Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent inquiry at an advanced level into an approved topic related to vision science.
Corequisite: OPTOM 416, 430, 442, 450
Restriction: OPTOM 473, 570
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 783 A and B
Research Portfolio in Clinical Optometry - Level 9
Advanced clinical optometry research in a chosen sub-specialist area of optometric practice. The area of special interest may include contact lenses, low vision, paediatric optometry, binocular vision, ocular disease management, or any other area approved by the Head of School.
To complete this course students must enrol in OPTOM 791 A and B