This course sequence is offered over four semesters. Overall goal is to provide an integrated perspective of optometry in the paradigm of problem-based learning (PBL). The problems will be clinical cases (4-6 cases per semester) which relate to the contents of courses taught contemporaneously in Optics, Biomedical, and Ocular biology modules. Students will meet in small groups to discuss the problems guided by a faculty facilitator.

P: Caculus, Physics P202 and enrollment in the School of Optometry or permission of instructor.  Fundamentals of geometric and physical optics. Optical analysis of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Components of the eyes and their optical properties.  Clinical instrumentation for optical measurement and diagnosis of eyes.   

P:V521 or permission of instructor.  Continuation of application of the principles of geometrical and physical optics to the optical description and correction of the eye. . Schematic optical models of the eye. Measurement of light. Higher-order aberrations and their impact on vision.

Head and neck neuroanatomy related to the normal functioning of the eye and visual system. Detailed anatomy/histology and physiology of the eye and adnexa. Maintenance of optical transparency and intraocular pressure. Phototransduction, retinal physiology and the basis for the electroretinogram and electro-oculogram.

This is the first of a three semester sequence which presents basic science information organized into specific organ systems. The first module will cover common processes: basic biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, fundamentals of physiology, pharmacology, immunology/infection, and oncology. Subsequent modules are organized to discuss the structure, function, pathology and therapy for each organ system. These modules include: Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, neuromuscular-skeletal, endocrine, hematopoietic.

P: V542. Continuation of SABS-I

Introduction to clinical history and interview techniques, health history content, and medical record documentation as applied to the optometric setting; optometric and medical terminology, interview techniques for special populations, legal aspects of medical records, differential diagnosis of visual symptoms, introduction to physical assessment, slit lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy.

P: V550. Vision examination techniques, ocular diagnostic techniques, and theory and application of vision testing instrumentation, with emphasis on preliminary tests, refractive tests, and the ocular health examination; study of the principles involved in the measurement, epidemiology, and treatment of ametropia, oculomotor imbalances, and associated conditions.

P: V550 Introduction to techniques used to examine and evaluate the health of the anterior segment of the eye, including use of the slit lamp biomicroscope, clinical measurement of intra-ocular pressure, foreign body evaluation and removal. Other techniques will be introduced as appropriate.

Provides an understanding of how visual performance is determined by the underlying biology of the eye and the brain. Topics include visual pathway, neuroanatomy and physiology, with special emphasis on the roles of receptive of receptive and nureal sampling.

Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics, principles of epidemiological inquiry and research design, and the application of statistical methods to clinical data.

P: V523 or permission of instructor.  Design and application of ophthalmic spectacles and materials.  Optics of contact lenses. 

P:V631 or permission of instructor. Continuation of design and application of ophthalmic spectacles and materials. Optics of low vision.  Clinical aberrometry. Optics of refractive surgery.  Optics of diseased eyes.  Wavefront-guided refraction and treatments.

Theory and practice of contact lenses. General principles of lens materials, design, care; examination, selection, fitting; diagnosis and treatment of lens wear problems; introduction to specialty fitting. Practical laboratory on lens handling, modification and fitting.

P: V543 Basic principles of pharmacology. Mechanisms of action and side effects of: anti-inflammatory, autonomic, cardiovascular, autocoid, respiratory, CNS, anti-diabetic, chemotherapeutic, immune system, and GI drugs.

P:V642 A detailed description of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of ocular disease of the anterior segment integrated with the principles and application of ocular pharmacology.

P: V642 Medications used in treatment of ocular disease. Ocuarl effects of systemic medications.

P: V551 Vision examination techniques, ocular diagnostic techniques, and theory and application of vision testing instrumentation, with emphasis on accommodation tests, binocular vision tests, and advanced ocular health examination; accommodation and vergence test findings as they relate to normal function, subjective symptoms, and performance; theory and case analysis of non-strabismic binocular vision problems.

P: V551 Introduction to techniques used to examine and evaluate the health of the anterior segment of the eye, including use of the slit lamp biomicroscope, clinical measurement of intra-ocular pressure, foreign body evaluation and removal. Other techniques will be introduced as appropriate.

P: 652 Advanced clinical analysis, procedures, and protocols for examinations of patients in the clinical setting, and comprehensive eye and vision examinations with scheduled patients; patient assessment and plan, patient communication; introduction to clinical ocular disease and protocols.

Characteristics, control, and deficits of the five somatic eye-movement systems (convergence, saccadic version, pursuit version, fixation maintenance, vestibular reflex) and the autonomic systems subserving accommodation and pupillary diameter and reflexes.

P: V560, V665 This course is intended to prepare the student to manage the common binocular vision anomalies encountered in primary care Optometry. The course will examine the anatomical, physiological, psychophysical and oculomotor characteristics of normal binocularity in humans. The course will then present diagnosis and management strategies for both non-strabismic and strabismic patients.

P: V 551, V 553, V 631, V 632, V 633, V 644, V 652, V 654, V 654, and a passing score on the Clinical Competency Examination in V654. Introduction to clinical practice in visual analysis, optometric procedures, case conference; discussion and patient care for three 40-hour weeks during the summer, or the equivalent by arrangement.

Presentation of Cases

Presentation of Cases

P: V644 A detailed description of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of ocular disease of the posterior segment; neurological diseases affecting the eye; and application of ocular therapeutics.