OPT004: Acute Eye Care 1

This module will equip you with the knowledge to provide a high standard of eye care to patients presenting with acute eye conditions in optometric practice.

This module is for theoretical knowledge on how to diagnose, manage and treat, where appropriate the typical acute presentations seen in optometry practice.

There are CET points available on completion of applicable elements of the module. This is a distance learning only module - there is no practical component to this module.

Learning objectives

On completion of the module, you should be able to:

• critically reflect knowledge of complex, controversial and/or contentious issues related to acute eye care in optometric practice
• evaluate and apply modern key concepts of acute eye care and be able to apply them to challenges within your environment and practice
• address and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of acute eye care

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via lectures (PowerPoint with audio) and Xerte tutorials, delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied. There are webinars planned during the module for interactive learning.

Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and your peers.

Syllabus content

• The common causes of red eye and the presenting signs and symptoms
• Additional questions to ask a patient presenting with red eye and how to interpret the answers
• The commonest types of trauma seen in optometric practice
• The instrumentation and the various methods of foreign body removal
• Signs and symptoms to look for to differentiate between an infected and non-infected corneal lesion
• The causes and characteristics of retinal detachment and posterior vitreous detachment
• The conditions that may cause other flashes and floaters symptom
• The techniques and instrumentation required to investigate the far retinal periphery
• The common causes of sudden loss of vision and how to investigate and manage them.
• Aetiology, risk factors, and signs and symptoms of Dry and Wet AMD
• The available treatments and differential diagnosis of treatable and non-treatable AM
• Common causes of sudden onset of double vision and how to investigate and manage them

Skills you will practise and develop

Academic skills

• Advance your knowledge and understanding
• Collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
• Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
• Interpret data

Generic skills

• Manage projects and time
• Work independently
• Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
• Problem-solving

How the module will be assessed

This module contains formative and summative assessments.

• Online Summative Coursework (50%): This will be in the format of a key features scenario, where the learner must work through the cases by answering questions based on diagnosis and management of acute eye presentations.
• Online Summative Test (50%): There will be a final exam made up of Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) and questions which require very short answers. The exam will assess comprehension and application across the entire syllabus.