Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit students will gain a foundation in the competencies for entry-level optometry practice as defined by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). The competencies are linked to the cases presented in OPTM5101 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1. In addition to encountering the principles and practical skills necessary for practice as an optometrist, students will be introduced to the concepts and conventions of working with, and alongside other health providers, within a complex health care system. They will engage with some of the legal and ethical, professional practice and public health issues for work in optometry.

Topics to be addressed in this unit include:

- developing the skills for taking effective patient histories associated with common optometric conditions;

- developing the skills in conducting thorough patient examinations associated with common optometric conditions;

- demonstrate and thoroughly discuss principles of diagnosis, patient management and recording of clinical data for common optometric conditions;

- evaluate the legal and ethical issues associated with common optometric conditions;

- apply the knowledge and demonstrate the skills required in professional practice related to common optometric conditions;

- assess the impact of the public and population health issues related to common optometric conditions.

Credit
12 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) perform effective patient history taking relevant to common optometric conditions presented in OPTM5101; (2) perform basic patient examination techniques relevant to common optometric conditions presented in OPTM5101; (3) critically apply the principles of diagnosis, patient management and recording of clinical data relevant to the common optometric conditions presented in OPTM5101; (4) evaluate the legal and ethical issues associated with common optometric conditions presented in OPTM5101; (5) assess professional practice issues associated with common optometric conditions presented in OPTM5101; and (6) assess the impact of public and population health issues underlying common optometric conditions presented in OPTM5101.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) ongoing assessments; (2) oral assessments; (3) clinical assessments; and (4) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the clinical assessments and professional behaviour assessment components.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Khyber Alam
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
91590 (Doctor of Optometry) AND completion of OPTM3101 Science of the Eye and Visual System 1,
AND OPTM3102 Principles of Optometry 1,
AND OPTM3103 Science of the Eye and Visual System 2
AND OPTM3104 Principles of Optometry 2
Co-requisites
OPTM5101 Integrated Ophthalmic Science 1
Contact hours
Clinical skills practicals: up to 100 hours.
Workshops: up to 24 hours.
Lectures, symposia and inter-professional education sessions: up to 36 hours.
Observational clinical (optometric and allied health) placements up to 20 hours.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.