OD 250 - Ophthalmic Dispensing IV

Credit Hours: 2

Instruction will include, but not be limited to, the following: continuation of general opticianry practice with special emphasis on aphakic vision problems; and analysis of complex and unusual vision prescriptions. Topics will also include common eye diseases and disorders, refractive surgical techniques, the use of lasers and the types and causes of visual field defects.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

understand steps and tests done in the preliminary eye examination. These will include: The Snellen chart, low vision tests, measuring amplitude of accommodation, convergence, color vision testing, depth perception testing and external examination;
learn about microbes which cause infection and discuss methods to reduce their spread;
identify different ocular conditions and anatomy effected by these conditions;
research different ocular pharmacology agents and the application methods of these agents;
examine and develop methods to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in eyecare practices and from providers to patients and patients to providers;
discuss cataract terminology, formation and surgical techniques used for the removal of cataracts;
examine methods used to correct aphakic problems;
compare and contrast benefits and computations between aphakic spectacles, aphakic contact lens and intraocular lens implants;
learn of particular challenges to the designing and fitting of aphakic spectacles;
examine history of refractive surgery;
evaluate refractive surgical techniques with emphasis on current technology;
discuss special challenges and concerns in fitting post refractive surgical patients with contact lenses and spectacles;
study common eye diseases and their treatments. These will include but not be limited to, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy along with test and treatment of these diseases;
examine different occular injuries and disorders which may occur and treatment of these injuries. These will include, but not be limited to, conjunctival, corneal, eyelid, lacrimal apparatus and retinal disorders;
examine and evaluate different methods of measuring visual fields; and
understand different types of visual defects.

Prerequisites: OD 240
S (N)