OPB353 Ophthalmic Science 1
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| Unit code: | OPB353 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | PCB240 and OPB201 and (MAB141 or MAB233) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $5,352 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | OPB353 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | PCB240 and OPB201 and (MAB141 or MAB233) |
| Coordinator: | David Atchison | d.atchison@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Ophthalmic Science is a fundamental area of Vision Science and Optometry, as a majority of problems deal with in these fields require optical solutions. It provides much of the optical basis for other units in the Optometry and Vision Science course dealing with optics, and thus is placed early in the course.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Measure the optics of spectacle lenses and measure parameters of frames;
- Recognise and solve problems relating to the optics and design of ophthalmic lenses which may arise in clinical practice;
- Describe the basic principles of geometrical optics as they pertain to vision science and optometry;
- Describe ophthalmic lens types and materials that are available for the correction of vision disorders.
- Interpret results obtained with ophthalmic instrumentation and discriminate features of lenses and frames.
Content
The unit addresses the following at an introductory level: lens form and thickness and correction of refractive errors; optical treatment of contact lenses; spectacle lens design; refraction and notation of spherical and astigmatic lenses, including lens neutralisation and transposition; prismatic effects of ophthalmic prisms and lenses; bifocal and multifocal lenses, including optical and mechanical requirements, segment terminology, and prismatic effects; frame and lens materials and dimensions, including assessment of lens quality; lens thickness calculations; vertometers; refractive errors and special lens types
You will also be introduced to problem solving processes and critical thinking in the context of optics and lens designs; principles of laboratory ordering and prescription writing, and ocular protection against radiation and mechanical hazards.
OPB353 builds on learning from PCB240 Optics and MAB141 Mathematics and Statistics for Health Professions in first year. OPB353 supports the later study of the optics of the eye, refractive errors and accommodation in OPB351 Visual Science 1 in Semester 2 of Year 2, and underpins the further development of the ophthalmic science of spectacle corrections in OPB453 in second semester.
Graduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:1. Knowledge and skills pertinent to vision science and the practice of optometry;
and 2. Critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving.
Learning Approaches
This unit will involve lectures/tutorials and a practical/demonstration class each week. Your learning is supported by the Canvas site that provides a range of study materials and activities.
Together with OPB453 Ophthalmic Science 2, it contribute to the development of graduate skills relevant to the Optometry entry-level competency standard elements related to prescribing spectacles and dispensing spectacle prescriptions accurately.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
The unit co-ordinator will be available in person and via e-mail to discuss issues and answer questions, particularly regarding problem exercises and performance in the mid-semester practical examination. Feedback on development of practical and technical skills is provided through the practical sessions and learning support materials on Canvas guide students as to their understanding.
Assessment
Overview
There are 3 pieces of summative assessment in this unit.
The first assessment task involves assessing ability to measure optical properties of lenses, and properties of frames through hands-on application during practical sessions. The second task is a practical slide examination to examine knowledge and understanding of concepts. The third task is an exam in the central exam period that will examine knowledge, understanding of concepts, and calculation skills.
Detailed information on each of these is provided on the Canvas site. To assist preparation, sample questions are provided.
As part of Australian Optometry Core Competencies, optometrists must be able to accurately measure and interpret the relevant parameters of ocular devices and optical appliances. Satisfactory performance in each of the assessment items is a condition for passing this unit. This means that at least 50% must be obtained on the end of semester examination for a passing grade to be awarded.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory/Practical
This will involve demonstration of practical skills in solving optical problems and by making optical and mechanical measurements with spectacles, such as lens power, surface power, PD's, segment heights and frame dimensions. You will act as an optometrist/dispenser doing the task of measuring spectacles.
Practicals are assessed individually (no.s 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14) and as a group of 2 (no.s 2, 13) and 4 (no.s 15, 16)
Threshold Assessment:
For professional accreditation, students must be able to prescribe and describe optical appliances
safely and effectively, consistent with the Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry. To pass this unit you must show satisfactory performance on this assessment item which is a mark =>50%. Students will be eligible for one reattempt at the minimum pass level, only when your achieved mark is 40-49% for this assessment item. Students are advised to seek feedback on your performance from the unit coordinator prior to the reattempt.
Assessment: Mid-semester practical slide assessment
Describe and interpret optical characteristics related to ophthalmic optics.
Threshold Assessment:
For professional accreditation, students must be able to prescribe and describe optical appliances safely and effectively, consistent with the Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry. To pass this unit you must show satisfactory performance on this assessment item which is a mark =>50%. Students will be eligible for one reattempt at the minimum pass level, only when their achieved mark is 40-49% for this assessment item. Students are advised to seek feedback on their performance from the unit coordinator prior to the reattempt. Students will not be eligible for a reattempt if their overall grade in the unit is a failing grade.
Assessment: Examination (theory)
End-of-semester theory examination. This will include a range of questions related to knowledge, analysis and solving problems in optics.
Threshold Assessment:
For professional accreditation, students must be able to prescribe and describe optical appliances safely and effectively, consistent with the Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry. To pass this unit you must show satisfactory performance on this assessment item which is a mark =>50%. Students will be eligible for one reattempt at the minimum pass level, only when their achieved mark is 40-49% for this assessment item. Students are advised to seek feedback on their performance from the unit coordinator prior to the reattempt. Students will not be eligible for a reattempt if their overall grade in the unit is a failing grade.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
Attendance at practical classes is required.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Jalie, M. (2007). Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing (3rd Ed). Butterworth-Heinemann
Fannin, T.E, Grosvenor, T. Clinical Optics (2nd Ed). Butterworth Heinemann
Jalie, M. (2021). Principles of Ophthalmic Lenses (6th Ed). Association of Dispensing Opticians
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry 2014
1: Professional Responsibilities
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
4: Diagnosis and Management
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.OP45 Bachelor of Vision Science
- Apply scientific knowledge and core skills of vision science and optometry.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Mid-semester practical slide assessment, Examination (theory) - Conduct effective ethical, culturally safe, and evidence-based clinical and technical ocular assessments that include data collection and experimental protocols.
Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Mid-semester practical slide assessment