Clinical Optics and Dispensing (12088.1)

Required texts

Brooks, CW and Borish IM, System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, Third Edition, 2007, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 978-0-7506-7480-5, DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7506-7480-5.X5001-1

This textbook complements the lectures and contains numerous questions and answers for which students can self assess their knowledge.

The CANVAS site will also have a list of readings that are assessable.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

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 (hurdle);

- Achieve a mark of at least 50% in the final practical exam (hurdle);

- Achieve a final aggregate mark of 50% or higher.

Supplementary assessment

According to the University's Assessment Procedures, supplementary assessment will only be offered to students who satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

A student has been allocated a final mark in the unit of at least 45% and less than 50% inclusive, and/or are within 5% of satisfying a hurdle assessment;

AND The unit undertaken in the final teaching period is the last and only unit required to meet all academic course requirements to enable conferral of a degree.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Inclusion and engagement

Students that are aware that they have physical or visual restrictions (e.g. lazy eye (amblyopia), eye turn (strabismus)) that may make certain clinical tasks difficult should make the unit convenor aware so that laboratory instructors will be able to teach alternative acceptable methodologies. During subsequent practical examinations, students should make their need to use alternative acceptable methodologies known to any examiners during the examination. Students should not assume that examiners will remember that this is the case. Students are also able to apply for a Reasonable Adjustment Plan in some circumstances.

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 ePortfolio assignment, 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.

Virtual classes have additional requirements where you will further develop communication skills in the virtual environment. While in a virtual environment, students are required to present themselves and communicate with peers, staff and invited speakers in a professional way. Hence, the default for all virtual classes is for all student web cameras to be turned on during virtual classes. Instructors may require students to interact either verbally, through polls or the shared chat function. Students who do not participate in this way can be marked as absent for the class. Students who need guidance on expected behaviors and participation may consult with the Unit Convenor and/or Study Skills. Instructors may request that cameras are turned off under certain circumstances.

Required IT skills

In-unit costs

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

• Semester 1, 2025, On-campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (227741)