96033 Ocular Pathology 2
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 96029 Ocular Pathology 1
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject, students gain understanding of how the investigation and management of ophthalmic conditions varies across life stages, with a particular emphasis on paediatric and geriatric populations. Students extend their knowledge of diagnosis and management of ophthalmic conditions studied in 96029 Ocular Pathology 1, as well as ocular emergencies and systemic conditions which impact the ocular system. The role of the orthoptist in the ophthalmic workplace is further explored with emphasis given to the development and demonstration of critical analysis of practice in the therapeutic, pharmacological and surgical management of complex ophthalmic conditions. The most recent evidence for modes of investigation and treatment are evaluated and applied to clinical case studies using problem-based learning. Advanced clinical skills required for the assessment and management of complex ophthalmic cases is addressed, in particular, students learn advanced aseptic techniques and minor surgical procedure assisting.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 33.1. | Integrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of complex ophthalmic conditions to interpret presenting signs and symptoms to develop investigative and management plans in context of complex ophthalmic conditions. |
|---|---|
| 33.2. | Assess how, genetic, syndromic and acquired ophthalmic conditions can impact patient investigation and management from childhood onwards. |
| 33.3. | Evaluate current evidence and integrate this with theoretical knowledge to inform sound clinical reasoning and apply this to the triaging and analysis of complex ophthalmic cases and the development of appropriate investigation and interdisciplinary management plans. |
| 33.4. | Demonstrate novice level skills in advanced ophthalmic investigative methods, the interpretation of observations, test results, and relate these to complex ophthalmic conditions. |
| 33.5. | Apply advanced clinical communication skills for the effective explanation of test procedures, clinical conditions and common ophthalmic management procedures, with an emphasis on patient education for ocular pharmaceutical treatment and pre- and post-op surgical care in terms that can be readily understood by a diverse range of patients. |
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)
- 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)
- 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 labs and to help with overall understanding of the content material, students are encouraged to read designated chapters from appropriate text books, review journal articles and case study material or watch informative videos.
Active Lectures: Lectures that are either recorded or face-to-face, provide an introduction to topic content each week. Guest lecturers are invited to share their professional expertise on particular topic areas at relevant times throughout the session. Lectures are an active preparation for student enagement and participation in analysis of case presentations, 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 this students develop skill in clinical reasoning and practice the application of theoretical knowledge gained from content material 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 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 lab classes 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 lab 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 OSCE exams.
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 lab classes and relating to clinical reasoning and understanding of key concepts by staff facilitating workshops. Opportunities for verbal formative feedback on assignments are given prior to final submission and detailed summative feedback following final submission. Practical lab help sessions help to provide students with formative feedback on clinical skills prior to the OSCE exams.
Content (topics)
Ocular Pathology 2 is the second subject in the ophthalmic stream of the Masters of Orthoptics course. This subject builds directly on foundational knowledge of common ophthalmic conditions, their investigation and management, acquired in 96029 Ocular Pathology 1. Further, this subject introduces more complex ophthalmic conditions including those that affect paediatric patients and introduces ocular complications arising from acute injury and systemic disease.
Ocular Pathology 2 utilises knowledge and skills acquired in ocular pathology 1 and extends this in preparation for clinical placement in 96034, 96038, 96075 Professional Practice 1, 2 and 3 in subsequent semesters. Learning in Ocular Pathology 2 also underpins further learning in 96037 Therapy Management and Rehabilitation and 96040 Advanced Professional Practice in the second year of the course.
Topics to be covered in this subject include: Paediatric ocular conditions, corneal disease and dystrophies, infection and inflammation of the posterior segment of the eye extending on from anterior segment infection inflammation covered in ocular pathology 1. Impact of systemic disease on ocular structures, medical and surgical retinal conditions, ocular emergencies and the role of the orthoptist in minor surgical and day surgery procedures will also be covered. Investigative diagnostic ophthalmic tests, their interpretation, available ophthalmic treatment options and management plans particularly around the orthoptists role and responsibility are discussed.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assignment
| Intent: | As clinicians, we do not always have all the answers with many conditions presenting in similar ways yet still have their own identity. Case study assignments allows students to improve on extending their understanding of ophthalmic conditions by combining analysis of case information, existing clinical knowledge and research to aid in the diagnosis and application of evidence-based management plans for ophthalmic conditions as part of an ophthalmic team. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, 33.4 and 33.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .05, .06, .09, 01.01, 02.01, 02.02 and 04.01 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1500-2500 words |
| Criteria: | Full criteria provided in class and on Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: OSCE (must-pass component) & Viva
| 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 knowledge of how to use ophthalmic diagnostic equipment gained across the subject through lectures, clinical practical’s and through self-directed practice. In addition to skills demonstration, students will be required to interpret tests results and discuss the relevance of additional testing and management options. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 33.1, 33.2, 33.4 and 33.5 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .05, 01.01, 02.01 and 02.02 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 60 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 case-based quiz
| Intent: | As an eye care health professional it is very important to be able to understand the cause, symptoms, investigation and management for various ophthalmic conditions. Theses case-based 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 module content. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 33.1, 33.2 and 33.3 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: .05, .09, 01.01, 02.01 and 02.02 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Maximum 50 minutes |
| Criteria: | Marks awarded for individual questions will be stated in the exam. |
Minimum requirements
Students are required to attend 90% of scheduled workshops. Clinical labs will be scheduled across weeks 2-14. It is expected that students attend 100% of scheduled clinical labs.
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)
Additional required readings will be provided via Canvas.
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, PhiladelphiaGerstenblith, 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.