OPTO3002 Ocular Anatomy and Histology

This topic will provide students with an understanding of the gross, histological and applied optometric anatomy of the structures underpinning human vision. They will learn the embryology of the eye and its associated structures, its vascular supply, its nerve supply, its musculature, the neuroanatomical pathways of vision, and congenital anomalies affecting the eye. In gaining a good understanding of the human eye, students will also gain a broader understanding of aspects of the anatomy of the human head which have particular relevance to vision. Understanding of structure will be linked to understanding of function.

This topic aims to introduce students in the Vision Science stream of the Bachelor of Medical Science/Master of Optometry to the fundamental structure and basic function of the normal human eye and accessory visual structures. This will provide a solid platform on which to understand pathological changes in ocular disease, and on which to base subsequent training in applied optometric techniques and in optometric clinical skills.

1. Demonstrate understanding of histological techniques and microscopy, with particular emphasis on the histology of the normal eye and associated structures
2. Demonstrate broad understanding of the structure of the human head and in particular those structures, apart from the eye itself, that support vision
3. Demonstrate detailed understanding of the normal gross and microscopic anatomy of the orbit and its contents, and of its adjacent structures
4. Demonstrate detailed understanding of the cranial nerves in general, and in particular those cranial nerves directly related to the eye
5. Demonstrate good understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic musculature of the eye, how the extrinsic musculature is involved in eye movement, and how abnormal eye movements may provide clinically important information
6. Demonstrate good understanding of the neuroanatomy of the visual pathway
7. Demonstrate good understanding of the embryology of the human eye and associated structures, with a good understanding of the most common congenital abnormalities of the eye