This introductory module introduces dispensing optics students to the eye as an optical instrument and the optical basis underlying disorders of refraction – myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Image formation in the eye and the effects of refractive error and aberrations are discussed. Measurement of vision is explained. Concepts of geometrical optics are applied to the eye. The roles of various eye care practitioners are described. Students will also learn how to take various measurements from lenses and frames. The aim of the module is to provide students with knowledge of the optical behaviour of the eye to allow interpretation of patients’ eye test records and to enable students to understand some of what happens during an eye test. The module will also introduce the student to a range of skills including information literacy and learning strategies for use across the entire programme. Students will also complete an assignment to develop the key skills of teamwork and the ability to judge scientific evidence.
Optometry and other health professionals. Optometric terminology and conventions
Optics of the eye: schematic and reduced eyes. Dioptrics of the eye, axial length, ocular and spectacle refraction, effectivity
Ocular dioptrics and catadioptrics: cardinal points, the far point, Purkinje-Sanson images, ocular axes and included angles
Ocular aberrations, resolving power, Rayleigh criterion, entoptic phenomena
Refractive errors: ocular growth and emmetropisation, classification of refractive errors, development and causes of refractive errors, statistical distribution of ametropia and ocular components, refractive ametropia, axial ametropia
Retinal image size: image formation in refractive and axial ametropia, spectacle and relative spectacle magnification, size ratios, anisometropia and aniseikonia, aphakia
Form vision: detection, resolution and recognition acuities, grating, vernier and other hyperacuities, factors influencing form vision: illumination, pupil size, contrast vision in uncorrected ametropia, blur circle, minimal angle of resolution,central versus peripheral acuity.
Retinoscopy: instrumentation, image formation, reflex movement and velocity in retinoscopy, neutralizing retinoscopy reflexes and estimating refractive error.
Optometers Accommodation and presbyopia
Code of conduct – the CORU Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Dispensing Opticians.
Learning skills and development tutorials
Information Literacy skills: information tools, library catalogue, CD ROM and electronic databases, on-line and electronic journals, indexing and abstracting journals, internet access and on-line researching, evaluating sources, effective search strategies, avoidance of plagiarism and the use of an appropriate citation style.
Learning skills: transition to third level education, effective note taking and reading skills, time management and goal planning, essay writing, examination preparation and completion, support services.
Lectures, practicals, E-learning, directed study, self-directed study, tutorials, seminars.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |