Opticianry Theory II

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
OPTI 1200
Discontinued
No
Course code
OPTI 1200
Descriptive
Opticianry Theory II
Department
Opticianry
Faculty
Science and Technology
Credits
5.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15
Max class size
30
Contact hours

Lecture: 80 hrs/semester

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Application / Calculation exercises in classroom
  • Field assignment
Course description
This course provides the theory related to eyeglass dispensing at an advanced level. 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 & 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 & correction for any prescription
  • Induced and prescribed prism
  • Compounding and canceling prism

 Visual Optics

  • Visual field and visual pathway
  • Conditions requiring high powered lenses
  • Designs of high powered lenses
  • Lens materials & 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 and contact lens fitting including the keratometer, biomicroscope, radiuscope, phoropter, ophthalmoscope, retinoscope, tonometer, autorefractor and corneal topographer
  • 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
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:       

  • apply knowledge of multifocal lenses for determining appropriate presbyopic lens recommendations for the patient
  • describe ophthalmic prisms relative to the definition of a prism diopter 
  • discuss ophthalmic lens design with respect to front surface curvature
  • discuss the steps for ordering and dispensing eyewear
  • discuss 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
  • determine patient eyewear needs based on lifestyle
  • discuss 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
  • discuss basic optical business management, current eye care trends and practices
  • incorporate cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices
  • discuss 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
Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College 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%
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

Prerequisites

OPTI 1100 and OPTI 1112

Corequisites

OPTI 1210 and OPTI 1212

Which prerequisite

DOPT 1310