OPTC 1130: Foundations of Optics
Department
Optician Diploma
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Building on the knowledge gained in OPTC 1110 Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye, this course provides a detailed overview of the basic principles of light, plane and curved surfaces of mirrors and lenses. Students review mathematical principles related to algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and practice mathematical calculations needed for opticianry practice. The photochemistry of vision is studied along with the concept of visual fields. Students are introduced to monocular and binocular vision and compare the effects of each on depth perception and visual acuity.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe prisms, concave and convex, and the application of each for eyeglass prescriptions
- Analyze data using mathematical calculations to contribute to the design of ophthalmic appliances
- Explain magnifications using calculations with thin lens correction
- Problem solve high power or specialty forms
- Solve problems of geometric optics related to the fitting of ophthalmic eyewear
- Describe the photochemistry of vision and identify possible disruptions
- Describe visual fields and the effect of eyeglasses
- Discuss monocular and binocular vision and the effects for eyeglass wearers
- Describe ocular motility and alignment
- Explain principles of refraction and refractive errors
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Classroom based delivery with lecture, small group discussions, readings, case studies, and assignments.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Assignments
|
20
|
Optical Worksheets
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
30
|
Weekly Quizzes
|
Assignments
|
10
|
Successful Workbook Completion
|
Final Exam
|
30
|
Comprehensive Final Exam
|
Participation
|
10
|
Class participation based on rubric
|
Course topics
- Review: anatomy of the eye
Mathematical principles
Mathematical calculations
Analyzing data to design ophthalmic appliances
Ophthalmic theories
Physical, geometric and physiologic optics
Photochemistry of vision (polarization, colour vision, UV light)
Visual fields
Binocular and monocular function
Ocular motility
Depth perception
Visual acuity
Principles of refractions
Polarization
Ametropia
Refractive errors
Schematic of the eye
Learning resources
Resources are items in addition to tuition that the student is responsible for purchasing. Course resource
information will be supplied by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.