Clinical Optics and Dispensing (10410.1)

Required texts

Required Textbook: System of Ophthalmic Dispensing by C.W. Brooks and I.M. Borish.   https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780750674805/system-for-ophthalmic-dispensing

Recommended reading: Practical Dispensing by David Wilson

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

The final mark for this subject will be calculated by an accumulation of marks from each assessment item.  To achieve a passing grade or higher in this unit, students must:

• Attempt all assessment items;
• Achieve a mark of at least 50% in the final theory exam;
• Achieve a mark of at least 50% in the final practical exam;
• Achieve a final aggregate mark of 50% or higher.
• Be marked as satisfactorily attending all laboratory classes.

Deferred Exams and quizzes

In the event a student misses an examination due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, the student must contact the unit convener and request a deferred assessment within 3 days of scheduled exam/quiz. The request must be made in writing (by email) on the Assignment Extension Form (https://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/forms/forms/other-forms/Assignment-Extension-Form.pdf).

Students must provide a medical certificate or other relevant documents as requested by the unit convener before sitting the deferred examination. Failure to do so will result in a zero grade being awarded for that assessment item.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

ePortfolio Assignment

For the ePortfolio assignment Part B, students will be required to participate in an assigned optometry dispensing activity at the UC Optometry clinic, which will provide improved student knowledge of processes in a working optometry clinic and to develop the graduate attribute of reflecting on their own practice, updating their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development.

Participation requirements

This Unit contains participatory elements which are vital to the entry-level competencies for Optometrists (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cxo.12216). Except in the case of extenuating circumstances, 100% attendance is expected at all lectures, and 100%satisfactory participation is required for the laboratory classes.

It is expected that students unable to fulfil these participation requirements will inform the Unit Convener as soon as practical, by telephone or email. If attendance requirements cannot be regularly satisfied (e.g. timetable clash) it may be recommended that you schedule this unit for a future semester. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in failure of the associated assessment piece. Consideration will be given for illness; however evidence such as a medical certificate will be required.

Students are required to cooperate in (laboratory classes) where students may be asked to practice optometry skills on each other, so each student is the patient and practitioner in turn and in approximately equal duration. By both conducting the clinical procedures and participating in the tests, you will gain an insight and empathy into the issues associated with testing visual function, both from the point of view of both an optometrist and patient. During classes you will be required to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict. Any action or omission that affects patient safety or is deemed disrespectful to your patients, fellow students or the teaching staff can result in failure of an assessment regardless of the aggregate mark for the assessment; For laboratory classes, it can result in unsatisfactory participation in the laboratory classes impacting on ability to pass the unit. For the assignment, students will be required to participate in an assigned optomtery dispensing activity at the UC Optometry clinic, which will provide improved student knowledge of processes in a working optometry clinic and to develop the graduate attribute of reflecting on their own practice, updating their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development.

Required IT skills

Students should be conversant with searching for and accessing information via electronic means; the use of Canvas; and word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.    

In-unit costs

Students are required to have a student kit that contains a PD ruler, pentorch, tape measure, marker pen. Additional materials (e.g. spectacle frame and lenses) may also be required.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

• Semester 1, 2023, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (215740)
• Semester 2, 2022, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (208132)
• Semester 2, 2021, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (201561)
• Semester 2, 2020, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (195831)
• Semester 2, 2019, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (189915)