Course Description
This course provides advanced level eyeglass dispensing theory. Topics include: detailed information regarding various instruments used in Opticianry, Optometry and Ophthalmology; specific aspects of optics; detailed information related to lenses for various eye conditions as well as for vocational and specialty lenses; surgical alternatives; analysis and interpretation of selected material properties; business practices; and professional standards of practice.
Course Content
Geometric Optics
- The refractive power of lenses - including aberrations and distortions
- Base curves, lens materials and coatings
- Front and back vertex powers of a lens
- Effective and compensated lens powers due to vertex distance changes
- Image jump in bifocals
- Prismatic effects in bifocals
- Prismatic effects at near visual point of multifocal lenses
- Vertical prismatic imbalance and correction for any prescription
- Induced and prescribed prisms
- Compounding and canceling prisms
Visual Optics
- Visual field and visual pathway
- Conditions requiring high powered lenses
- Designs of high powered lenses
- Lens materials and frames for specialty prescriptions
- Presbyopic corrections - dispensing; lens design/construction
- Vocational lenses and low vision aids
- Dispensing lenses by meeting patient lifestyle needs
- Refractive surgery procedures
- The refracting process
- Ultrasonic scans, cataract surgery and intraocular lenses
Practical Optics
- Terminology related to optical instruments and ophthalmic lenses
- Functions of instruments used in ophthalmology, optometry, opticianry including phoropter, tonometer, and autorefractor
- Neutralization of multifocal and specialty lenses
- Interpretation of complex prescriptions
- Lens information by manufacturer
- Standards of practice review
- Professional ethics
- Supervision and responsibility
- Patient management
- Records management
Communication and Interaction with Patients
- Cultural safety and humility
- Patient-provider relationships
- Informed consent
- Patient file documentation
- Appropriate patient referral
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
- Professionalism, preparedness, and attendance 0-5%
- Assignments 10-20%
- Term tests 40-60%
- Final exam 25-30%
- Total 100%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- apply knowledge of multifocal lenses to determine appropriate presbyopic lens recommendations for the patient;
- describe ophthalmic prisms relative to the definition of a prism diopter;
- describe ophthalmic lens design with respect to front surface curvature;
- state the steps for ordering and dispensing eyewear;
- describe advanced measurement taking and frame selection for free-form lens designs;
- describe absorptive lenses with respect to tint color, density, and wavelength;
- calculate vertical imbalance;
- define vertex distance;
- describe functions of instruments used in ophthalmology, optometry, opticianry including phoropter, tonometer, and autorefractor;
- determine patient eyewear needs based on lifestyle;
- state theories of light, reflective surfaces, and effects of refracting mediums on rays of light;
- calculate image magnification or minification for a lens system;
- describe the visual pathway of the human eye;
- label an eye diagram using Gullstrand's eye model;
- describe the function of eye structures;
- describe appropriate patient care ocular pathology treatment;
- describe basic optical business management
- describe current eye care trends and practices;
- incorporate cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices;
- describe the history and ongoing effects of colonization on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, including disparities of power in patient-provider relationships;
- identify situations where informed consent may be problematic and take appropriate steps to ensure patient understanding;
- adhere to infection prevention and control measures established by jurisdiction and national regulatory bodies;
- document patient visits to allow for effective continuity of care.
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Stein, Stein and Freeman, The Ophthalmic Assistant: A Text for Allied and Associated Ophthalmic Personnel, current edition, Elsevier