UNSW Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics 2024

UNSW Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics 2024

Date: 15/01/2024 (AEDT)

Venue: Online via ZOOM T1

Provider: School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales

Contact: Rene Cheung, [E] rene.cheung@unsw.edu.au, [P] 0415330996

Activity Outline

Ocular Therapy 1: This course provides an introduction to the basic and clinical sciences related to the use of therapeutic agents in primary care optometry. The focus is on the practical clinical needs of the student. In the basic sciences, there is a review of biochemistry with emphasis on physiological processes and how they can be affected by drug actions. The principles of pharmacology and how they impact therapeutic management are presented and discussed. Microbiology, immunology, inflammation and pathology are reviewed with a strong emphasis on ocular infection and inflammation. Ocular therapeutics and their use in primary care optometry will be covered with reference to diagnosis and management of anterior eye disease, including disorders of the cornea, conjunctiva, adnexae, uvea, lacrimal system as well as glaucoma. The topic of co-management is discussed in relation to glaucoma and ocular surgery. The legislative aspects of therapeutic prescribing by optometrists in Australia and New Zealand will also be presented.

Ocular therapy 2: This supervised clinical practicum course is designed to produce graduates with demonstrated ability to competently undertake safe and autonomous therapeutic management of patients, including the ability to design, implement and monitor appropriate management programs. The course aims also to equip graduates with the skills to adapt to changes in the scope of therapeutic practice and to work in an integrated way with other health professionals. This course comprises up to 50 hours of clinical training in a range of settings (primary, secondary and tertiary centres) and a further 95+ hours of self study and preparation of case reports.

Learning Objectives

• Assess the eye and ocular adnexae and differentially diagnose ocular disease
• Define and discuss the pharmacological considerations of ocular drugs used in the treatment of anterior eye disease and interactions between ocular and systemic diseases and their management
• Design, develop and revise pharmacological and non-pharmacological management plans for ocular diseases based on patient characteristics, signs, symptoms, investigations, epidemiology and underlying pathogenesis
• Apply knowledge of relevant State/Territory legislation and Guidelines to lawfully prescribe therapeutic agents in the management of ocular disease
• Identify circumstances where referral for specialist medical treatment is required, the urgency of the referral and the most appropriate health care provider to be referred to
• Plan and execute appropriate shared care arrangements of patients, including recognizing the legal and ethical implications of such arrangements and interactions with other health care providers
• Diagnose, treat and/or monitor glaucoma in accordance with the Optometry Board of Australia Guidelines reinforced through clinical placements
• Provide non-invasive first aid for ocular conditions 
• Recognize the importance of ongoing skill and knowledge development necessary for continued effective and safe ocular therapeutic management
• Understand emergencies and serious complications associated with anterior eye disease and identify circumstances where referral for specialist medical treatment is required for prompt diagnosis and management. This will also include the reporting of notifiable diseases and infection control procedures.
• Diagnose and appropriate management of ocular disease
• Self assess and design professional development plans to ensure continued competency in accordance with professional requirements
• Be familiar with the NHMRC Guidelines for the Screening, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Glaucoma
• Understand the need for, and utilization of, aspects of cultural competency, including for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Maori and Pasifika cultures so that culturally appropriate management of all patients can be achieved.

Max CPD hours awarded: 170

Session Information