The purpose of this module is to give the dispensing optician the ability to appreciate the expectations and requirements of low vision patients, forming part of a multi-disciplinary team in the management of visually- impaired individuals. This includes the training and dispensing of basic optical and non-optical low vision aids. Students will also develop an understanding of the effects of commonly-encountered eye diseases and systemic diseases on vision. This includes an overview of the impact of such visual impairment and associated disability on the quality of life of the individual.
- A theoretical overview of visual and systemic conditions causing visual impairment commonly encountered in optometric practice including features of the visual loss and visual changes experienced by the visually-impaired individual suffering from these conditions.
- A theoretical overview of quality-of-life measures used to assess the impact of visual impairment on the individual.
- A theoretical summary of legal and other definitions (as applicable to the ROI, UK) associated with functional visual loss.
- A theoretical overview of the stages of loss associated with visual impairment–as experienced by both the visually-impaired individual and their families.
- A theoretical overview of factors constituting good and poor prognoses in vision rehabilitation settings.
- A theoretical overview of the dispensing optician’s role in the multi-disciplinary management of a visually-impaired individual.
- A theoretical overview of appropriate communication strategies used when dealing with visually-impaired individuals.
- A theoretical and practical implementation of the skills and strategies for the assessment of the visually-impaired individual.
- A theoretical and practical demonstration of the appropriate selection and use of common basic optical and non-optical low vision aids.
- A theoretical overview of appropriate lighting techniques to be recommended to vision rehabilitation patients.
- A theoretical overview of appropriate training techniques used to familiarise a visually-impaired individual with the use of low vision aids.A theoretical overview of the appropriate multi-disciplinary monitoring and aftercare of a visually-impaired individual
The theoretical components of this module are to be delivered via a mix of lecture-based delivery and self- directed learning (online and offline).
The practical components of this module are to be delivered in 2 x 2 hour labs.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |