Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Legacy Curriculum

Prerequisites - None

Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Introduction to optometric examination technique, theory and application. Strategies of optometric procedure sequencing. Emphasis on chair skills to include case history, visual acuity, stereopsis, color vision, Amsler grid, extra-ocular muscles, accommodation, convergence, confrontation visual fields, and pupillary reflexes. Medical interviewing techniques, health history content, medical record documentation, introduction to diagnosis of the visual system. Lectures will incorporate the theory of the procedures and proper sequencing. Laboratory will emphasize the performance of the procedures accurately and efficiently.

Prerequisites – None

Four hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Fundamentals of geometric optics to include the properties of light, reflecting and refracting surfaces, thick and thin lens optics, the optics of mirrors and refractive systems, and the optics of thick and thin prisms. The study of apertures within optical systems. The optics of telescopes and microscopes. The use of catadioptric images to assess the axes, angles, and anatomical structures of the eye. Spherical ametropia and the optical correction of spherical ametropia. Incidence, distribution, etiology, development, and course of ametropia in humans. An introduction to clinical case analysis will be used to develop critical thinking skills. Case-based approach will be used when possible to integrate theoretical optics with clinical optical applications.

Prerequisites – None

Four hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Detailed study of general human anatomy and histology. Head, neck, thorax, abdomen and organ anatomy along with their microstructure will be emphasized. The histogenesis and embryological development of human systems. Comparison of normal adult morphology with congenital defects. Identification of gross anatomical structures of the human body with emphasis on the head and neck region. Identification of anatomical structures based on radiographs such as x-ray, CT, and MRI. Laboratory will include dissection and identification along with microscopic anatomy of the ocular structures, orbit, adnexa, visual pathway, brain, cranial nerves, and spinal cord.

Prerequisites – None

Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Topics include:

1. Light Perception: spectral, spatial, temporal properties of absolute threshold; duplex retina; brightness-difference and chromatic thresholds; spatial and temporal summation; dark and light adaptation; radiometry and photometry; contrast specification
2. Color Perception: specification (hue, saturation, brightness); mixture and appearance; contrast, constancy, adaptation; colorimetry; spectral sensitivity; inheritance and classification of hereditary color deficiency; acquired anomalies; color vision testing (pseudoisochromatic plates, arrangement tests, anomaloscope); vocational aspects of color vision
3. Form Perception: visual acuity and contrast sensitivity specification, test properties and tasks; impact of defocus, intensity and contrast on spatial vision; simultaneous contrast, spatial interactions, illusions, constancies, and figure-ground relations
4. Space Perception: absolute and relative depth discrimination, monocular and binocular cues; stereopsis; binocular summation
5. Temporal Perception: critical flicker fusion frequency; subfusional flicker; masking; temporal contrast sensitivity function; stabilized imagery; saccadic suppression
6. Motion Perception: real and apparent motion; displacement detection; motion after-effects; dynamic visual acuity, impact of target and observer motion
7. Psychophysical Methods and Theory: measurement of threshold (limits, adjustment, constant stimuli, forced choice, yes/no); suprathreshold matching and scaling; signal detection theory
8. Neurophysiology of Vision: single neuron, parallel pathways, and electrophysiological correlates of visual perception.

Prerequisites – None

Three hours of lecture per week. An introduction to general physiological and detailed cellular biological processes. Cellular organelles, active and passive membrane transport, and nerve and muscle function to include synaptic physiology. Integrated study of the physiological processes of the major organ systems to include the circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

Prerequisites – None

One hour of lecture per week. The course emphasizes general topics related to your development as an optometrist and future health care provider. A general overview of the history of health care and the profession of optometry will be discussed as well as current issues facing the profession. Professional and ethical issues in the practice of optometry are focused on. An overview of organized optometry will be presented. Additionally, a concentration of key concepts and topics related to personal and spiritual development for future healthcare providers will be emphasized by way of the Personal Development Pathway lecture series.

Prerequisites – OPT 111

Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Introduction to optometric examination techniques to include the theoretical basis for detection, diagnosis and management of refractive error and related conditions. Emphasis is placed on a consummate understanding of the etiology and functional basis of refractive error and visual anomalies as the basis for accurate and effective diagnosis and management. Monocular and binocular refractive techniques, lensometry, keratometry, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy. A case-based approached to the integration of data will be used to develop critical thinking skills and a practical use of data in development of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Prerequisites - OPT 112

Five hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. The optics of the human eye will be studied in detail as it relates to human visual function. The eye as a refracting device will be investigated along with the clinical application of lenses to remediate refractive error. The application of prism and ocular deviation will be addressed along with the axes and angles of the eye. A general overview of photometry and physical optics including interference, diffraction, polarization, thin film optics, and lasers. Entopic phenomena and the Stiles-Crawford effect. Magnification and retinal image size with clinical applications of accommodation, presbyopia, aphakia, and pseudophakia. The clinical role of the pupil in depth of field, aberrations, and accommodation. Introduction to contact lenses in the treatment of ametropias. Contemporary optics will be introduced to include the study of aberrations, testing for higher-order aberrations, and the remediation of higher order aberrations within the human visual system.

Prerequisites - OPT 113, OPT 115

Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. A detailed study of the gross ocular anatomy of the human eye, adnexa, and surrounding tissues supporting the structure and function of the visual system. Histology and clinical micro-structure of ocular structure. Embryological integration to the normal and abnormal development of ocular anatomy. Introduction to a clinical approach to the assessment and management of ocular anatomical disorders.

Prerequisites - OPT 113, OPT 115

Two hours of lecture per week. A study of human immunology and its application to normal function and disease processes. Emphasis on ocular immunological processes to include inflammation, allergic disease, immunology, immuno-pathology, and cellular disease. Histopathology of cell and tissue injury. Reversible and irreversible cellular changes. Cell death, tissue apoptosis and necrosis.

Prerequisites - OPT 113

Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. A detailed gross and microscopic study of the human central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis on the functional neuroanatomy of sensory and motor systems. An integrative approach to clinical patient care will be emphasized through the use of radiology studies of the neuroanatomy to include X-ray, CT, and MRI. Laboratory will emphasize the identification of the gross central and peripheral nervous systems and their respective microanatomy.

Prerequisites - OPT 113, OPT 115

One and one-half hours of lecture per week. Basic principles of biosynthesis and bioenergetics of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins applied to ocular structures. Biochemical mechanisms of molecular biology, gene regulation and contemporary methodology to include genomics. Emphasis on biochemical principles as they relate to the treatment and management of ocular disease.

Prerequisites - OPT 113, OPT 115

One hour of lecture and one hour of lab per week. Feedback from videotaped patient interaction will be used to enhance communications. Discussions involving the ethical practice of optometry. The dynamics of practicing optometry within the healthcare delivery system. HMOs, insurance panels, Medicare, Medicaid, third-party insurance, discount plans, fee-for-service. Effective inter-professional and intra-professional written and oral communications within the context of effective and well-documented patient care delivery. Medical necessity and appropriateness of orders and interpretations/reports of findings. Introduction to co-management relationships and their associated legal aspects.

Prerequisites - OPT 111, OPT 121

Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. A continuation of the optometry series emphasizing optometric examination theory and techniques to include binocular refractive procedures, phorometry, and near point testing. Lecture will incorporate a case-based and problem solving methodology in the synthesis and evaluation of optometric data in the diagnosis and management of refractive and binocular vision problems.

Prerequisites – OPT 112, OPT 122

Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. A survey of the clinical application of ophthalmic lenses in the practice of optometry. Ophthalmic materials, physical characteristics and nomenclature of lenses and frames, prism application, lens characteristics, layout/production, specialty lenses, multifocal lenses, aniseikonic reduction, slab off, aberration theory and lens design, low vision lenses, protective eyewear, ANSI standards and acceptable tolerances. Spectacle magnification. Fabrication of prescription eye wear. Aberrations affecting ophthalmic lens design. Optics of low vision devices. Absorptive and photochromic lenses. Instrumentation used to measure and verify lens parameters to include advanced lensometry, automated lensometry, base curve measurement and center thickness. The management of a dispensary and optical laboratory. Theory and practice of ophthalmic dispensing to include frame selection, fitting considerations, and lens selection guidelines. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving of ophthalmic issues to include induced prism, manufacturing errors, quality control and managing patient expectations. Visual ergonomics. Illumination and lighting standards. Occupational visual issues.

Prerequisites - OPT 114

Three and one-half hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. A clinical approach to the psychophysical and physiological bases of binocular vision including principles of stereopsis, retinal correspondence, retinal disparity, rivalry, fusion, the horopter, physiological diplopia and suppression, binocular summation. Sensory adaptation to abnormal binocular conditions to include pathological suppression, binocular confusion and amblyogenesis and the treatment of amblyopia. Retinal to brain neuro-pathways. Panum's fusional area. Innervation and actions of the extraocular muscles. Types of eye movements and their control mechanisms. Accommodation, pupillary reflexes and their control mechanisms. An introduction to the field of vision therapy in remediation of binocular vision and extraocular muscle disorders.

Prerequisites – None

Four hours laboratory/clinic per week. Introduction to clinical patient care and clinical operations. Observation and assisting doctors and clinical student interns in patient care within the UIWSO clinical system. Participation in school screenings and pre-testing of patients. Practice in refining clinical procedures and examination techniques/sequencing. Emphasis on professional and proper doctor-patient communication and intra-professional communication within a clinical setting.

Prerequisites – OPT 115

Two hours of lecture per week. Study of the normal physiologic homeostasis and function of the eye to include the orbit, eyelids, lacrimal system, corneal physiology, corneal transparency and eye tissue wound healing. Other topics will include the physiology of the crystalline lens, vitreous, choroid, retina and uveal track. Aqueous humor production, circulation and elimination. Intraocular pressure control and mechanistic pathways for clinical intervention in the treatment of glaucoma. Tear flow dynamics and dry eye. Exophthalmometry and anesthesiometry. Blood flow and vascular dynamics of the tissues of the eye and adnexa. Accommodative and pupillary functions. An introduction to ocular diseases associated with malfunction of normal ocular physiology.

Prerequisites – OPT 115, OPT 128, OPT 125

Three hours of lecture per week. Basic principles of pharmacology to include drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, dosage, action and routes of administration. Pharmacokinetic principles. Pharmacodynamic principles. Physiology and pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system and the drugs which affect this system. A survey of medications and their actions, indications and contraindications will be addressed to include systemic, topical, ocular autonomic medications, anti-infective, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic agents. Pharmacological treatment of heart failure, hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, neoplastic disease, AIDS and other immunocompromised associated diseases. Antimicrobial therapy, synergy, antagonism. Antibiotic selection. Administration of ocular pharmaceutical agents.

Prerequisites - OPT 113

Three hours of lecture per week. A comprehensive study of organ systems and their pathophysiology and co-morbidities. Integration of basic sciences of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology with those of clinical symptoms and signs in disease states. Vascular flow and shock. Genetic disease and disorders of the immune system. Neoplastic disease processes. Pathologic, etiology, clinical correlation and prognosis of systemic pathology of organ systems of the body to include the follow systems: Cardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, gastrointestinal, urinary, endocrine, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous and reproductive. A clinical approach to general and specific disease processes, diagnoses, treatments and prognoses. Ocular manifestations of systemic disease.

Prerequisites – OPT 211

One and one-half hours of lecture and three hours laboratory per week. A continuation of OPT 211, Advanced Optometry. Emphasis on the comprehensive evaluation and testing of the human visual system. Examination and evaluation of the ocular tissues, adnexa, and visual pathways. Overview and introduction of ocular disease as it relates to normal vs. abnormal examination findings. Tonometry, three- and four-mirror gonioscopy, funduscopy, scleral depression and automated/non-automated visual field testing. Integration of visual pathway anatomy/function as it relates to visual field results and loci of disease. A culmination and integration of all testing and procedures learned in OPT 111, OPT 121 and OPT 211. Emphasis on proper sequencing and efficiency in eye examination procedures. Proper documentation in the medical record. Introduction to glaucoma diagnosis and management to include the classification of the glaucomas and their respective treatment modalities. Introduction to automated nerve head and nerve fiber layer analysis in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.

Prerequisites – OPT 112, OPT 121, OPT 122, OPT 123, OPT 211, OPT 215

Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Anatomical and physiological considerations in the application of contact lens correction. Material and modality considerations in the fitting of contact lenses. Lifestyle and kinesthetic issues affecting candidacy for contact lens wear. Basic design and manufacturing of rigid and hydrogel contact lenses. Parameter determination based on clinical measurements of corneal size, corneal curvature, refraction and residual astigmatism. Effective power changes. Iatrogenic implications and anterior segment disease potential in the application of contact lenses. Appropriate and effective use of contact lenses for the treatment of all ametropias including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. Effective management and follow-up of the contact lens patient. A clinical approach to contact lens use will be used. Emphasis on troubleshooting problems related to contact lens wear and determining appropriate strategies for remediating contact lens-related signs and symptoms. Verification of parameters of soft and rigid contact lenses to include base curve, diameter, power, optic zone diameter, edge design and integrity, peripheral curves and quality of the surfaces. Radiuscopy, use of reticule, polish and modification of rigid contact lenses.

Prerequisites – OPT 123, OPT 215

Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Diagnosis and treatment of primary diseases, disorders, and injuries of the vitreous, choroid, retina, and optic nerve. Degenerative vitreous disorders. Vitreo-retinal disease. Peripheral retinal disease and retinal detachment. Macular disease to include age-related macular degeneration, metabolic and genetic disease, hereditary macular dystrophies, serous macular detachment, retinopathy and choroidopathy. Retinal-vascular disease to include hypertensive retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy. Toxic retinal disease. Optic nerve head diseases to include an introduction to glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. The treatment and management of posterior segment disease to include surgical intervention, topical and intracameral injections and systemic medications. Nutraceuticals in the management of posterior segment disease. Laboratory will emphasize imaging of the posterior segment with traditional methods such as written documentation and advanced methods including photography, retinal imaging such as Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT), Heidleberg Retinal Tomography (HRT) and Retinal Thickness Analyzer (RTA). The use of a three mirror retinal lens, 90D and 78D retinal evaluation, Hruby Lens and/or other condensing lenses to be used with slit lamp biomicroscopy. 20D/22D or other retinal condensing lens used with binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Maculoscope or other functional macular testing devices.

Prerequisites – OPT 214

Four hours of laboratory/clinic per week. A continuation of OPT 214

Prerequisites – OPT 211, OPT 213

Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Diagnosis and management of refractive, binocular and ocular disorders including ocular disease common to the pediatric population. Normal systemic growth and development juxtaposed with concurrent ocular growth and developmental markers. Management strategies and treatment regimens for the remediation of childhood visual disorders to include an application of spectacles, contact lenses, prisms and vision therapy. Unique strategies for the examination and quantification of children's needs in an optometric setting. Special tests and alternative tests for children. Practice management and office layout strategies for the practice with a pediatric emphasis.

Prerequisites – OPT 123 OPT 125, OPT 128, OPT 215

Three and one-half hours of lecture per week and two hours of laboratory per week. Diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders, and injuries of the ocular adnexa and anterior segment of the eye. Ocular microbiology of lids/lashes, conjunctiva and cornea. Appropriate ordering and procedures for cultures in anterior segment disease. Infectious diseases to include blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, dacryoadenitis and dacryocystitis. Fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of the anterior segment and their diagnoses, treatments, follow-up and prognoses. Metabolic, autoimmune, and neuromuscular disease in anterior segment evaluation and management. Non-infectious lid disease. Degenerations and neoplastic changes. Indications for surgery and biopsy. Orbital, lid and ocular injury and their acute and long-term management. Associated radiologic studies germane to ocular trauma/disease. Ocular tissue response to injury and management interventions to decrease infection and vision loss. Neurologic pain pathways and topical and systemic pain management in anterior segment disease and injury. Genetic disorders of the anterior segment and co-morbidities and their management. Associated systemic disease and co-morbidities in the diagnosis, treatment of anterior segment disease. Appropriate use of systemic referrals in anterior segment disease. Inflammation and its effect on tissue and healing. Topical and systemic management of inflammatory response in treatment and management of anterior segment trauma and disease. Indications for hematologic laboratory studies in anterior segment disease. Natural course and types of cataracts and their visual effects. Surgical treatment of cataracts and after-cataracts. Nutraceuticals in the management of anterior segment disease. Laboratory will emphasize clinical procedures related to anterior segment care to include slit lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann tonometry, three and four mirror gonioscopy, cultures, punctal occlusion, punctal dilation/irrigation, foreign body removal, rust removal, suture removal, corneal micropuncture, epithelial debridement, patching, bandage contact lenses, lid/conjunctival/ocular injections.

Prerequisites – OPT 217

One and one-half hours of lecture per week. A continuation of the OPT 217. Medications affecting the endocrine, autonomic nervous, central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitor-urinary systems. Toxicology and drug interactions. Ocular side effects of systemic medications.

Prerequisites – OPT 217

One and one-half hours of lecture per week. Principles of ocular application of pharmacologic agents to include drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, dosage, potency, action and routes of administration. Diagnostic topical pharmacology to include autonomic drugs such as cycloplegics and mydriatics. Miotics. The local and systemic side effects of autonomic drugs. Autonomic side effects of non-autonomic topical medications and systemic medications. Topical anesthetics and their mechanism and duration of action. The use of anesthetics in the diagnosis and treatment of eye trauma and disease. Anti-infective drugs in eye care to include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiprotozoals. Anti-inflammatory drugs in eye care to include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and steroidal drugs. Immunosuppressant drugs in dry eye therapy. Hyperosmotics. Intraocular pressure lowering drugs to include aqueous suppression drugs, aqueous outflow drugs, combination suppression and outflow drugs, and miotics. Lubricant and ocular surface hydration medications. A clinical approach to the pharmacology.

Prerequisites - All preceding courses.

One hour of lecture and one hour of small group seminars per week. A problem-based learning pedagogy will be employed to develop critical thinking and an integrated approach to patient care. A series of problems will be presented in lecture format and the seminar times will be used for student discovery and research. Student groups will be facilitated by faculty in gathering pertinent information from journals and other sources, including pervious course information. Student presentations and reports will be used in the final assessment of student learning.

Prerequisites – OPT 114

One hour of lecture per week. Advanced vision science and how it is applied to enhance the accuracy and efficacy of detection, diagnosis and management of normal and abnormal visual function. Emphasis is placed on clinical assessment and case analysis. Discrimination between optical, functional and organic bases for visual dysfunction. Electrodiagnosis of the visual system including layer-by-layer analysis of retinal and visual pathway function. Advanced psychophysical approaches for assessing quality-of-vision, color vision and pathway specific function. Effects of development, aging, and disease processes on visual performance and function. Functional imaging techniques. Cognitive aspects of vision including illusory perception and attention. Contemporary vision research methodology. Utility of advanced vision science in contemporary optometry.

Prerequisites - OPT 115, OPT 125, OPT 126, OPT 218, OPT227

One hour of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Clinical applications of physical diagnosis to include a basic neurological evaluation and a basic cardiovascular evaluation. Clinical laboratory indications, tests, and interpretation. Examination of the head and neck for adenopathy, asymmetry, hair quality, psoriatic lesions, and skull deformation. Understanding of dermatomes and their relationship to physical diagnosis. Training in the use of an otoscope for the evaluation of nasal/oral cavities, and auditory canal. An assessment of the cranial nerves. Basic life support (BLS) training and certification. Basic first aid training. Preparation for the appropriate response to medical urgencies and emergencies. Sphygmomanometry and accurate blood pressure testing. Auscultating of the carotid artery and assessment of carotid bruit.

Prerequisites – OPT 222

Two and one-half hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. A continuation of OPT 222. The design and fitting of rigid and hydrogel contact lenses in cases of high and/or irregular astigmatism and/or increased corneal higher order aberrations. Application of contact lenses for correction of presbyopia. Design and fitting of contact lenses for patients with keratoconus, corneal ectasia and/or pellucid marginal degeneration. Strategies for the use of contact lenses on infants and the pediatric population. The use of advanced technology such as computerized corneal topography and wave front analysis (Marco 3-D wave, Orbscan) in contact lens fitting. The use of corneal refractive therapy and orthokeratology in myopia treatment. Advanced fitting of contact lenses on the post-refractive surgery and diseased cornea. Fitting of therapeutic bandage or other therapeutic contact lenses for sustained drug release or for corneal surface disease to include superficial corneal disease/trauma to include corneal abrasion, recurrent corneal erosion, or epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. Special considerations for the fitting of contact lenses on the geriatric population. Billing and coding for contact lens services and bundling of services in the contact lens practice. Use of technicians in the fitting of contact lenses.

Prerequisites - OPT 223

Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. A continuation of OPT 223 including advanced techniques and recent advances in detection, diagnosis and management of posterior segment disease.

Prerequisites – None

Twelve hours of clinic per week. Clinical patient care will be within the primary care/contact lens clinic, pediatric clinic, the optical service, and ocular disease clinic. A nursing home component to the clinical experience will be provided. Community based screening may also be assigned as part of OPT 304. Participation with doctors of optometry or other physicians in comprehensive direct patient care within the various services areas. Case conferences and grand round experiences will be assigned. Case presentations, evidence-based research on cases, and ongoing enhancement/proficiency of examination skills and assignments as assigned by faculty are expected by all students.

Prerequisites – OPT 215, OPT 228, OPT 223, OPT 303

Two hours of lecture per week and one hour of laboratory per week. A comprehensive review of glaucoma. Etiology, mechanisms, natural history, prevalence of glaucoma. Classifications of glaucoma. Anterior segment and posterior segment relationships to the diagnosis and management of the glaucomas. Primary and secondary glaucomas. Exhaustive presentation of the diagnostic tests and their interpretation. The use of gonioscopy, pachymetry, intra-ocular pressure, anterior chamber anatomy, pre-existing ocular disease considerations, previous surgery considerations, previous trauma consideration, and co-morbidities in the diagnosis of glaucoma. The use of advanced technology in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma to include GDx, HRT, OCT, RTA or other optic nerve head imaging. The appropriate use of automated and non-automated visual field testing. The use of 78D/90D slit lamp biomicroscopy in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. The use of photographic techniques in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Treating the glaucomas with medical management. Treating the glaucomas with surgical and/or laser treatments. The standard of care of glaucoma diagnosis and management along the course of the disease process. The complications of diagnosis and management of the glaucoma with ocular co-morbidities to include neurologic defects, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, or other ocular pathology. The proper coding and billing of the glaucoma patient. Appropriate follow-up schedules in the management of glaucoma. Appropriate written and oral communications among medical professionals as part of the standard of care for glaucoma patients.

Prerequisites – OPT 213, OPT 227

Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Diagnosis of disorders of accommodation, binocular vision and visual perception. Remediation of binocular vision disorders and visual perceptual anomalies. Management by means of motor and sensory therapy. Development of therapy regimens for these visual anomalies and prognoses for their resolution. Treatment and management strategies for the integration of modern visual/visual perceptual therapy into contemporary clinical practice.

Prerequisites - OPT 229

One hour of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Multi-disciplinary case analysis of patient data introduced in lecture and synthesized/evaluated in the laboratory group settings. Preliminary diagnoses and management plans will be written to include follow-plans, addition test to be ordered and management plans to be implemented. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized along with evidence-based decision making through independent and group evidence gathering supporting their management plans. Cases will be written to incorporate and integrate optical, ocular, systemic, functional, and disease process that require an integrated approach to remediating patients' problems along with evaluating the relative co-morbidity and mortality risks associated with findings.

Prerequisites - OPT 112, OPT 122, OPT 212, OPT 223, OPT 303, OPT 306

Two hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Etiology and epidemiology of vision impairment and associated diseases. Categories of low vision and their associated visual impairments. The process of history taking, examination and evaluation of a low vision patient to determine a low vision remediation plan. Modifications of optometric testing procedures for the low vision patient. Prescription of optical and non-optical devices used in the management of the low vision patient. The use of technology in the diagnosis and management of the low vision patient. Multi-disciplinary integration of low vision rehabilitation. Patient counseling and ancillary community-based services. Orientation and mobility. The optics of low vision devices and their application to low vision patient to include telescopes, telemicroscopes, high add and microscopic lenses, magnifiers, electronic magnification, bioptic telescopes. The use of filters, typoscopes and lighting. Yoked prisms and vision therapy. Congenital and acquired brain injuries as low vision patients. The practice management aspect of incorporating low vision rehabilitation into a contemporary practice of optometry. Billing and coding of the low vision patient.

Prerequisites - OPT 126

Three hours of lecture per week. The diagnosis and management of neurological disorders that affect the eye, adnexa, and visual pathway. Optic neuropathies, vascular disease, space-occupying lesions within the cranium and orbit. Cranial nerve disease and its affect on sensory and motor function of the eyes and visual system. Radiology studies in neurological eye disease to include CT, MRI, and MRA. Surgical and medical management. Clinical-legal aspects of neurological eye disease.

Prerequisites - OPT 304

Twelve hours of clinic per week. Clinic patient care will be within the primary care/contact lens clinic, pediatric clinic, the optical service, and ocular disease clinic. A nursing home component to the clinical experience will be provided. Community-based screening may also be assigned as part of OPT 304. Participation with doctors of optometry or other physicians in comprehensive direct patient care within the various services areas. Case conferences and grand round experiences will be assigned. Case presentations, evidence-based research on cases, and ongoing enhancement/proficiency of examination skills and assignments as assigned by faculty are expected by all students.

Prerequisites – OPT 213. OPT 227

Two and one-half hours of lecture per week. Diagnosis and management of strabismus and amblyopia. Etiology, classifications, risk factors, and intervention strategies will be emphasized. Prognoses and expected outcomes will be presented as they relate to clinical care. Practice management strategies for integrating the management of strabismus and amblyopia into the contemporary practice of optometry

Prerequisites - None

Two hours of lecture per week. Strategies in the development of an effective and profitable contemporary practice of optometry while providing the highest level of care to patients. Emphasis will be placed on private practice planning and research leading to new practice locations or opening a new practice. Developing business plans. Preparing a loan proposal. Marketing and research for potential practice locations. Marking plans. Contract negotiations. Budget development and management. Financial control systems. Understanding and using financial statements in developing a practice and managing the financial aspect of a practice. Employment planning and human resource utilization. Job interviewing and labor laws. Compensation and benefit packages. Preparing job descriptions. Employee contracts and employment arrangements. Practice modalities and types of practice arrangements. Earnings potential with various practice modalities.

Prerequisites - None.

Two hours of lecture per week. Legal requirements in the practice of optometry. Record keeping, documentation, informed consent, malpractice, evaluation of visual disability, and licensure. Criminal and civil systems of justice. Torts. Professional and general liability. Case law relating to the practice of optometry. Ethical theory and its use in decision making. Application of ethical theory in the practice of optometry, biomedical research, and the use of technology. The role of the legislative process in the establishment and continued privilege to practice optometry.

Prerequisites – OPT 223, OPT 226, OPT 228, OPT 303, OPT 306

Two hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Pre and post operative considerations for ocular and adnexa ophthalmic and laser surgeries. Indications and candidacy for surgery. Expected outcomes and prognoses. Pre-operative counseling, workup, and documentation. Standard protocols for pre, intra, and post operative care. Cataract surgery, YAG capsulotomy, refractive surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, peripheral iridotomy, trabeculectomy, retinal detachment surgery, retinal laser surgery, penetrating keratoplasty, and endothelial cell transplantation. Proper coding and billing for co-management and peri-operative care.

Prerequisites - None

Two hours of lecture per week. Selected topics in the contemporary clinical practice of optometry to include updated and new advances in practice methods, testing, technology, surgeries, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, vision therapy, legislative initiatives, coding and billing, or other topics.

Prerequisites – OPT 314

Twelve hours of clinic per week. Clinic patient care will be within the primary care/contact lens clinic, pediatric clinic, the optical service, and ocular disease clinic. A nursing home component to the clinical experience will be provided. Community based screening may also be assigned as part of OPT 304. Participation with doctors of optometry or other physicians in comprehensive direct patient care within the various services areas. Case conferences and grand round experiences will be assigned. Case presentations, evidence-based research on cases, and ongoing enhancement/proficiency of examination skills and assignments as assigned by faculty are expected by all students.

Prerequisites – None

Two hours of lecture per week. Concepts of public health and epidemiology as they relate to the practice of optometry. Licensing and regulation procedures for health care professions. National and state boards and their role in regulating and controlling the practice of optometry. Concept of standard of care, community standards, and peer review. The use of epidemiology in public health issues and in the practice of optometry. Types of epidemiological studies. Concepts of disease screening. Emphasis on the major epidemiological eye studies. Morbidity, mortality, and the distribution of eye disease and vision problems. Health care delivery and administration in the context of public policy issues. Geriatric issues in the practice of optometry. Theories of aging. Normal ocular aging processes. Cognitive impairments and dementia. Pharmacokinetics and other pharmacological issues as they relate to the elderly. Adjustments to the examination techniques for the geriatric population. Diagnosis and management issues related to systemic and ocular conditions common to the elderly population. Issues related to access of care for the elderly. Psycho-social, psychological, and economic factors association with aging. Driving issues. Elder abuse issues. Social services available for the elderly. Advanced directives and legal issues facing the elderly.

Prerequisites – OPT 301

Two hours of lecture per week. An overview of systemic diseases, their presentations, diagnostic consideration, and management strategies. Identification of critical signs and symptoms of systemic disease that warrant urgent or emergent referrals. Integration of systemic disease knowledge in the treatment and management of ocular disease. Ocular presentation of systemic disease. Systemic diseases with ocular co-morbidities. Interdisciplinary management and professional communication and information transfer. The effects of treatment of systemic disease on eye health and vision to include high risk oral medications and their potential ocular side-effects. Emphasis on diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disease, microbial infections and other diseases germane to optometric practice.

Prerequisites – OPT 318

Two hours of lecture per week. A continuation of OPT 318 with an emphasis on the business aspect and day-to-day operations of the business of optometric practice. Information management to include technology needs and their implementation. Database management and electronic medical records. Networks systems and security. Patient privacy. Review of legal aspects of patient care. Evaluation of managed care plans and insurance panels in light of practice business models. Understanding coding, billing, and insurance submission as it relates to HIPPA, patient rights, legal issues, and good business practices. Understanding the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) review process. Insurance audits. Public relations and internal/external marketing strategies. Development of community outreach. Staffing and scheduling. Employee evaluations. Conflict resolution. Compliance with federal and state laws regarding employees to include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Financial management of a practice to include payroll, disability insurance, health insurance, tax laws, mandatory filings with taxing authorities. Risk management and understanding legal and regulatory requirements. Optometry laws, confidentiality, records release, credentialing and certification/recertification. Patient grievance procedures. Quality assurance programs. HIPPA, OSHA. Medical malpractice. Coding and compliance programs.

Prerequisites – None

One hour of lecture per week. Concepts in research study design. Writing a research proposal. Issues related to human subject research and the use of IRB process. Corporate collaboration and research design and implementation. Proper use of statistical analysis. Methods of research result dissemination to the greater body of scientists and clinicians. Scientific research writing for publication adequate for publication in a referred professional journal.

Prerequisites – None

Spanish for Optometrists is a voluntary class broken up into two parts. These classes are typically offered during the Summer and Fall terms. The classes focus on typical optometric doctor/patient communications and clinical case scenarios. Part I introduces Optometry students to the fundamentals of Spanish, with emphasis on developing listening comprehension and speaking skills in the optometry setting. It includes activities for developing abilities in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Part II introduces Optometry students to the fundamentals of Spanish, with emphasis on developing listening comprehension and speaking skills in the optometry setting and specialized vocabulary required for counseling patients concerning their illnesses and medications. It includes activities for developing abilities in speaking, listening, reading and writing.