Course Description
This course will provide students with deeper knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye in relation to contact lens fitting. Skills relevant to instrumentation in the fitting of contact lenses, the process of refractive error determination, the conversion and verification of prescriptions, and the examination of the relationship between contact lens fit, corneal health and residual refractive error area also studied.
Course Content
College of Opticians of British Columbia website resources
Technological changes and trends in contact lens history
Basic anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the visual system
- anatomy of the visual system
- physiology of the visual system using Gullstrand's eye model
- pathology of the visual system
- the use of lasers in treatment of ocular disease
- contact lens related defects of the visual system
Focus on the cornea
- corneal natomy
- corneal physiology
- maintenance of corneal transparency
Instrumentation
- biomicroscopy
- keratometry
- automated corneal topography
- contact lens inspection and verification
- contact lens simulation software
Automated refraction
- refraction equipment
- refraction process
- tonometry
- contraindications
- jurisprudence
Refractive surgery
- corneal refractive surgery
- intraocular refractive surgery
- lasers in refractive surgery
Contact lens materials, design, and fitting
- soft lens materials
- gas permeable materials
- silicone hydrogel materials
- basic fitting philosophies
- toric contact lens designs
Visual optics
- spherical equivalent calculations
- diopter conversion formula
- vertex distance compensation formula
- tear lens compensation
- residual astigmatism calculation
- calculation software
- convergence and accommodation
- magnification and minification of Image Size
Contact lens solutions
- preservatives in contact lens solutions
- proper use of contact lens solutions
- potential side effects of contact lens solutions
- patient education and training
Communication and interaction with patients
- cultural safety and humility
- patient-provider relationships
- informed consent
- patient file documentation
- appropriate patient referral
Means of Assessment
Evaluation will be carried out 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 5-10%
- Term tests 40-60%
- Final exam 25-30%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- identify the important people, events and key trends pertaining to the historical development of contact lenses
- describe the anatomy and physiology of the human visual system
- identify and describe pathological conditions of the human visual system
- identify the contact lens instruments used in a contact lens practice
- identify the equipment and their functions in the refraction process
- identify the steps required to complete an assessment of refractive error during the course of the process of refraction
- identify the respective areas of the professional standards of practice pertaining to the automated refraction process
- identify and describe the corneal and intraocular refractive surgical procedures and their implications on contact lens wear
- describe the design of contact lenses and related parameters
- define and calculate basic ophthalmic optical units of measurements
- discuss professional standards of practice with respect to contact lenses in areas pertaining to tools required, optical tolerances, professional conduct, and the accepted practices for the use of autorefractors/automated systems.
- 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
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Efron, Contact Lens Practice, current edition, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier