OPTO8008 Clinical Placements 2

2019

13.5

1 x 2-hour lecture once-only
10 x 7-hour workshops per semester
48 x 7-hour clinical placements per semester
1 x 2.5-hour independent study weekly

1 3 of OPTO8004, OPTO8005, OPTO8007
2 Admission into BMSVMOPT-Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science), Master of Optometry
Must Satisfy: (1 and 2)

Topic Coordinator approval is required for enrolment in this topic. Students should apply via courseadvice.nhs@flinders.edu.au.

The entirety of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science), but in particular:

- OPTO3001 Knowledge of Health and Illness for Optometrists 1

- OPTO3003 Clinical Skills 1

- OPTO3004 Communication for the Consulting Room

The content of the following Master of Optometry topics:

- OPTO8001 Knowledge of Health and Illness for Optometrists 2

- OPTO8002 Ophthalmology

- OPTO8003 Clinical Skills 2

Examination(s) (50%); Placement; Seminar; Test(s)

This topic provides clinical experience in optometry across a variety of setting: university clinic, independent private practice, corporate practice, rural practice, contact lens specialty practice, children’s vision specialty practice, low vision care, hospital ophthalmology clinic, private ophthalmology practice, indigenous health care, aged care, migrant health and elective placements. Students will undertake two 6-week clinical placements in different clinical settings. During clinical placements students will undergo orientation, observe consultations, develop an understanding of care systems within this practice setting and progress to participating in, and conducting, eye examinations. Students should participate in or conduct 200-300 patient encounters during this topic. Students will keep an electronic reflective diary detailing these encounters. After each placement students return to the university for a debriefing week where they present a case, and describe an important learning opportunity from their placement.

This topic builds on the fundamental optometry knowledge and clinical skills students have acquired earlier in the course and on the formative clinical experiences of the prior semester. Students will develop experience in conducting full patient examinations. This will provide learning opportunities in history taking, examination planning, diagnosis and developing management plans. Students will progress to being highly proficient in all components of the eye examination and competent in executing the whole patient examination. Learning opportunities will arise around patient presentations with different conditions or requiring different management. Students will develop the ability to present clinical case information to their peers and to discuss conflicting or challenging issues or situations. Students will also learn about processes and systems in clinical practice, optical dispensing and practice management. This topic will empower students to engage broadly in optometric practice, to manage the spectrum of eye and vision disorders and to engage in optometric practice.

At the completion of this topic, students would be expected to:

1. Have demonstrable high level proficiency in all components of an eye examination

2. Have demonstrable competence in conducting entire eye examinations

3. Be able to present a case to peers

4. Be able to discuss challenging professional issues with peers

5. Have an in depth understanding of the spectrum of eye and vision disorders

6. Have an in depth understanding of processes and systems used in optometry practice