OPTC 2340: Contact Lens Lab
Effective date
September 2023
Department
Optician Diploma
School
Continuing Studies
Description
This course provides students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to the contact lens laboratory. Students develop their abilities to operate in a safe and competent manner in a supervised lab environment. Students will become proficient in conducting a patient assessment, taking measurements, preparing and ordering lenses, and then fitting, modifying and evaluating the finished contact lenses. Educating the patient on proper care of contact lenses will be emphasized along with providing follow-up care. This course builds on content in OPTC 2320 Contact Lens Theory.
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Engage the patient in the informed consent process
- Obtain and review a patient's current medication use, medical history and contact lens history
- Conduct a comprehensive patient assessment to obtain corneal readings including ocular health and visual acuity
- Demonstrate proper infection control and prevention procedures and aseptic techniques related to the contact lens lab environment
- Demonstrate competency in safely operating equipment and tools appropriate to practice
- Interpret assessment results from optical tools and apply theoretical knowledge to inform decisions in contact lens dispensing
- Perform the correct steps in the insertion and removal of contact lens on a patient
- Educate patients in the training of insertion of removal of contact lenses, solution, biocompatibility, storage, and wear
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 144
Total Hours: 144
Instructional Strategies
This course is delivered on campus in the dispensing optician lab. Students will work under the guidance of a lab instructor.
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Lab Work
|
S/U
|
Skills Assessments - S based on 20 successful fittings
|
Clinical Examination
|
S/U
|
Contact Lenses Procedural Exam - S based on demonstrated knowledge of fundamental concepts and competent performance skills and functions
|
Participation
|
S/U
|
S based on 90% attendance and rubric
|
|
|
Students must achieve a satisfactory grade on all evaluations in order to be successful in the course. S based on completion of all assignments, self-reflective evaluations, and a final assessment review.
|
Course topics
- Professional practice and communication
Patient assessments
Recording information
Infection control and prevention
Asepsis
Instruments, equipment and tools related to contact lens dispensing
Safe operating procedures of equipment
Keratometer
Slit Lamp
Radiuscope
Lensometer
V-gauge
Lens loupe
Fitting lens
Preparing recommendations
Lens insertion and removal
Contact lens care regime
Patient teaching
Follow up care
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.