Course Description
This course introduces students to the lab skills required for quality control of contact lens materials, solutions, and their ocular applications. This course also provides students with the ability to calibrate, maintain, and implement the usage of the equipment and tools associated within the contact lens dispensary.
Course Content
Introduction
- Laboratory objectives
- Orientation to laboratory instruments and equipment
- Laboratory hygiene
- Equipment sterilization
Traditional and Computerized Diagnostic Technologies
- Slit lamp biomicroscope
- Vertex conversion chart
- Snellen chart
- Automated corneal topography
- Keratometry
- Hand loupe
- Dioptric conversion chart
- Acuity trial lens set
- Autorefractor
- Lensometer
- Diameter gauge
- Phoropter
Lens Types, Material Characteristics, Fitting, and Relationship to Ocular Health
- Material compounds
- Material configurations and design
- Lens parameter determination
- Chemical properties of contact lenses
- Manufacturer material limitations
Contact Lens Solution Properties, Chemical Compounds, Procedures, and Relationship to Ocular Health
- Chemical disinfection systems
- Hydrogen peroxide disinfection
- Surfactant cleaners
- Enzyme cleaners
- Rewetting agents
- Medically prescribed ocular pharmaceutical agents
Professional Relationship with the Patient
- Communication and patient interaction
- New patient fit routine
- Follow-up routine
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 10-20%
- Term tests 40-60%
- Final exam 25-30%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- use instruments for contact lens fitting and lens analysis to meet criteria for a well-fitting lens
- collect, record, and interpret data and patient health information during a routine contact lens fitting
- describe contact lens materials by manufacturer, label name, material compound names, water content, power range and recommended patient fitting procedure and wearing schedule
- describe contact lens cold disinfection systems, lens storage solutions, surfactant cleaning solutions, enzyme cleaners, rewetting agents, and medically prescribed pharmaceutical agents
- describe the physical cleaning and disinfection of contact lenses
- describe contact lens solutions by manufacturer, brand name, chemical ingredients, and recommended usage
- describe fitting concepts of eyeglass and contact lens dispensing
- describe limitations and contraindications to the automated refractive error assessment according to the Professional Standards of Practice
- 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
- recognize significant signs and symptoms in relation to the patient's eyes to identify the need for referral
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.