OPTC 2430: Refractive Conditions & Automated Refraction
Department
Optician Diploma
School
Continuing Studies
Description
In the beginning of this course students will review the principles of refraction before discussing
the pathophysiology of refractive conditions including astigmatism, anisometropia, and
aniseikonia. In the second part of this course students will learn the automated refraction process
and discuss its limitations, contraindications, and referrals before applying their knowledge
of the process in the lab. This course builds on knowledge gained in OPTC 1110 Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye, and OPTC 1130 Foundations of Optics.
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPTC 1110, OPTC 1130, OPTC 2350.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the principles of refraction
- Describe ocular motility and binocular functions
- Identify common eye disorders and their effects on vision
- Recognize limitations in visual correction
- Explain the differences between an eye examination and an automated refraction
- Record patient history prior to applying the automated refraction process
- Apply pharmacology knowledge when conducting an assessment and taking medical history
- Describe the effects of medication on ocular health
- Discuss the pathophysiology of refractive conditions
- Practice using an automated refraction system and interpret results
- Identify limitations of automated refraction
- Identify when to refer the patient to another eyecare professional
- Explain the scope of practice governing refracting opticians
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 20
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 40
Instructional Strategies
Classroom based delivery with lecture, small group discussions, readings, case studies, and assignments, as well as lab.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Assignments
|
25
|
Weekly Review Questions
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
30
|
Refractive Principles & Conditions Quiz
|
Exam
|
35
|
Jurisprudence Exam
|
Assignments
|
S/U
|
Refraction Case Study - S based on completion and participation in group discussion
|
Clinical Examination
|
S/U
|
Automated Refraction Testing - S based on five successful examinations during the week of the lab.
|
Participation
|
10
|
Class participation based on rubric
|
Course topics
- Review: principles of refractions
Pathophysiology of refractive conditions
Astigmatism
Anisometropia
Aniseikonia
Automated refraction process
Automated refraction limitations
Automated refraction contraindications
Ocular disease and effect on vision
Refractive conditions of the eye
SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment and plan) documentation technique
Measuring and assessing binocular function
Measuring and assessing ocular motility
Stereopsis test
Four worth dot test
Duochrome test
Fogging technique
Astigmatism
Ametropia
Instruments and procedures
Pharmacology
Effects of medication on ocular health
Refining and finalizing prescriptions
Unstable refractions
Standard industry practice (Health Professions Act Opticians Regulation)
Referral process
Limitations in visual correction
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.