96029 Ocular Pathology 1
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 96027c Eye and Visual Systems AND 96028c Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility 1 AND 96030c Introduction to Professional Practice
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject takes a practice-oriented approach in applying the anatomical and physiological knowledge acquired in 96027 Eye and Visual Systems, to understanding common ocular conditions. In undertaking a problem-based learning approach to clinical case studies, students are introduced to the epidemiology, diagnostic procedures and management of some of the most prevalent ocular conditions including those arising from infective or inflammatory processes and age-related changes in anatomical structures. Fundamental concepts of investigation of ocular conditions explored in 96030 Introduction to Professional Practice are expanded to encompass the understanding and evaluation of new diagnostic technologies in the workplace. Learning in this subject is supported by the development of basic clinical skills relevant to ophthalmic investigation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 29.4. | Apply effective communication skills to the explanation of test procedures, clinical conditions and their common management procedures in terms that can be readily understood by a diverse range of patients, while demonstrating a respectful and compassionate approach to patient care, particularly for the elderly. |
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| 29.1. | Apply knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology to the alignment of presenting signs and symptoms with the diagnosis of common ophthalmic conditions. |
| 29.3. | Demonstrate beginner level clinical skills in common ophthalmic investigative methods and accurate interpretation of observations and test results, leading to the diagnosis of ophthalmic conditions. |
| 29.5. | Reflect on orthoptic practice in the context of multidisciplinary ophthalmic teams and more broadly within national and global communities, in particular, Indigenous populations. |
| 29.2. | Use sound clinical reasoning in the analysis of common ophthalmic cases to develop effective investigation plans leading to differential diagnoses and provisional management. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:
- Practice professional expertise and clinical reasoning to provide safe, responsible, and evidence-based orthoptic care for the benefit of the community. (01.01)
- Lead and collaborate within disciplinary and interdisciplinary health care teams to provide best practice health care and contribute to positive patient outcomes. (01.02)
- Utilise research knowledge and skills to analyse and synthesise literature, design research methodology and ethically conduct research in the field of orthoptics. (02.01)
- Engage in reflective practice to support lifelong learning and professional development that enhances patient outcomes and health service delivery. (02.02)
- Advocate for patients, clients, and communities to ensure person-centred and ethical approaches to practice and supporting equity in eye care delivery in national and global health systems. (03.01)
- Critically reflect on Indigenous Australian contexts and apply principles of cultural safety and ethical research practices to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians within the orthoptic profession. (04.01)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
In addition, this subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Lifelong learning
- Professional capacity
- Cultural Competence
Teaching and learning strategies
Preparation for learning: Students will be provided with the details of preparation activities each week through the subject’s Canvas site. Activities are designed to help students prepare for workshops, clinical practical’s and to help with overall understanding of the lecture material, students are encouraged to read designated chapters from appropriate textbooks, review journal articles and case study material or watch informative videos.
Active Lectures: Lectures provide an introduction to topic content each week and guest lecturers are invited to share their professional expertise on particular topic areas at relevant times throughout the session. Lectures are active and require students to engage and participate in analysis of case presentations and class discussion and other collaborative learning methods
Case based learning: Case-based learning is a form of problem-based learning (PBL) and a key learning strategy used in workshops. Workshop activities are intended to promote active engagement of students and provide an authentic case and practice-based learning experience though collaborative analysis and topic discussion. Through these activities, students develop skill in clinical reasoning and practice the application of theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and practical classes to differentially diagnose and develop appropriate plans for the investigation and management of patients with a variety of ocular conditions.
Collaborative Learning: As health professionals, teamwork is an essential skill to ensure patients are managed appropriately within interdisciplinary teams of health professionals. Teamwork skills are developed through collaboration with peers in active lectures and workshops, conducted in collaborative POD classrooms, as well as, when performing clinical skills in practical classes and through group assessment.
Reflective Learning: Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their learning throughout the subject to identify areas where they may improve their performance and to assist in the development of lifelong learning skills. Specific activities where reflective learning is encouraged are; self-evaluation of clinical skill performance in practical classes against OSCE marking criteria and skill achievement checklists and through post lecture/workshop review of learning questions on Canvas.
Practice-orientated learning: Clinical practical labs are conducted in small groups (max. 12 students) each week for this subject. In these small groups, structured learning is focused towards developing competency of clinical skills in the operational use of diagnostic equipment needed in the assessment, diagnosis and management of ocular conditions. Students are closely supervised and provided instruction and feedback as they participate in hands-on practice of skills including the use of specialised ophthalmic technology-based equipment.
Self-directed Practice: Clinical practical classes provide students with supervised practice of clinical skills, however, to attain a sufficient level of competency in clinical skills, self-directed practice outside of class time is required. As a general guide, students are expected to spend approximately 1 hour of self-directed practice in the orthoptic dedicated teaching clinics per subject. This is important preparation for clinical placement and your Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Ongoing Feedback: In-class verbal feedback is an important teaching and learning strategy employed throughout the subject. Students are provided with immediate feedback relating to the performance of clinical skills in clinical practical labs and relating to clinical reasoning and understanding of key concepts by staff facilitating case-based workshops. Opportunities for verbal formative feedback on assignments are given prior to final submission and detailed summative feedback following final submission. Mock OSCE exams are held to provide students with formative feedback on clinical skills prior to the OSCEs.
Content (topics)
Ocular Pathology 1 is a foundational subject in the ophthalmic stream of the Masters of Orthoptics course. The aim of this subject is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of common ophthalmic disorders, ophthalmic investigative procedures and basic therapeutic management of these conditions. Ocular Pathology 1 utilises knowledge and skills acquired concurrently in 96030 'Introduction to Professional Practice' and 96027 'Eye and Visual Systems' and provides the foundation for ophthalmic learning which is built upon in 96033 Ocular Pathology 2 in the following semester
Topics covered in this subject include: Age-related and idiopathic changes, infection & inflammation as well as conditions that affect the anterior segment of the eye and retina. Investigative diagnostic ophthalmic tests, their interpretation, available ophthalmic treatment options and management plans.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Group Assignment
| Intent: | As a clinician the ability to disseminate relevant and concise information to patients and other allied health teams is an important role of the orthoptist. Preparing resource material to then present to peers about a condition, requires the student to firstly conduct background research to then select and disseminate only the most significant and relevant information required for clinical application in patient investigation and management. A Group assignment is seen as one avenue to facilitate preparation for barriers that you may encounter and need to navigate through in the case of future workforce team dynamics |
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| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 29.1, 29.2, 29.4 and 29.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .05, .06, .09, 01.01, 01.02, 02.01, 02.02, 03.01 and 04.01 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | The group presentation component should be no longer than 5 min in duration. |
| Criteria: | See criteria provided in class and on Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: OSCE (must-pass component)
| Intent: | An OSCE is an assessment format that enables students to demonstrate components of understanding, clinical and equipment skill, clinical reasoning and communication that are not readily assessed in a written format. The OSCE will enable the students to demonstrate a sound understanding of how to use ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and interpret results to aid in a diagnosis. |
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| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 29.1, 29.2, 29.4 and 29.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .05, .06, .09, 01.01, 02.01, 02.02 and 03.01 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 30 minutes approximately |
| Criteria: | This exam aims to assess the student in a structure that best assesses their competency for participation in a future clinical working environment, such as clinical placements. As such, the primary level of competency must relate to the patient’s safety for all examinable procedures. Students must also demonstrate that they are able to effectively complete the set tasks within the given timeframe. At this stage of the course, emphasis will be given to good levels of patient instruction and communication, demonstration that tests are conducted in a safe and effective manner so that conclusions can be drawn from findings and that results are accurately recorded. Prior to the exam students will be given the criteria for individual examinable skills. |
Assessment task 3: Module quizzes
| Intent: | As an eye health care professional it is very important to be able to understand the cause, symptoms, investigation and management for various ophthalmic conditions. The module quiz assessments will aid determination of whether you have met the learning objectives of this subject and will give a summative assessment of your level of knowledge and understanding of the content. |
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| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 29.1, 29.2, 29.3 and 29.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .05, .06, .09, 01.01, 01.02, 02.01 and 02.02 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Variable |
| Criteria: | Marks awarded for individual questions will be stated in the quiz |
Minimum requirements
Students are required to attend 90% of scheduled lectures. It is expected that students attend 100% of scheduled clinical practicals.
Note: there is a must-pass assessment in this Subject. Please check assessment descriptions for details.
Required texts
Coursework Assessments Procedures
Graduate School of Health Policy, Guidelines and Procedures (login required)
Recommended texts
Students will be required to access journals through the UTS library and reference appropriate journal articles. Specific references may be indicated, if required via Canvas throughout semester by the coordinator or lecturers. In addition, the following texts may be of use:
Kanski, JJ, Bowling, B, Nischal, KK & Pearson, A. (2011) Clinical ophthalmology: a systematic approach. Butterworth-Heinemann, Edinburgh.
Stein H, Stein R & Freeman, M (2012) The Ophthalmic Assistant 9th ed. Saunders, Philadelphia.
Cassin B and Hamed L, (1995) Fundamentals for Ophthalmic Technical Personnel. Saunders, Philadelphia.
Gerstenblith, AT. & Rabinowitz, MP. (2012) The Wills eye manual: office and emergency room diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
Spalton, D, Hitchings, R, Hunter, P (2004) Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology 3rd ed. Mosby Ltd.
Levin, LA, Albert, DM, (2010) Ocular disease: mechanisms and management, Saunders, Philadelphia.
Levin, LA, Nilsson, FE, Ver Hoeve, J, Wu, S, Kaufman,PL & Alm, A. (2011) Adler’s Physiology of the Eye 11th ed. Saunders, Philadelphia.