OPT027: Anterior Segment - Clinical Examination and Management
This module aims to provide you with detailed insight into anterior segment examination, imaging, diagnosis and management.
There will be illustrated reviews of the most commonly encountered anterior segment signs, discussions centred on differential diagnosis and clinical significance, as well as guidance on management strategies. Thereafter, you will be able to advise patients on their likely diagnosis and its implications.
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary so you are more able to determine which patients may be managed in practice and which should be referred to secondary care ophthalmology.
There will be time allocated specifically to latest approaches in keratoconus and keratoplasty. As a result, you should be be in a stronger position to manage keratoconus and keratoplasty patients, providing important support to the care given by the ophthalmologist.
| Start date | March |
|---|---|
| Credits | 10 credits |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Module tutors | Barbara Ryan |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £670 - Home students £1250 - International students |
| Module code | OPT027 |
Learning objectives
On completion of the module you should be able to:
- critically reflect a knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to anterior segment conditions in optometric practice
- evaluate and apply modern key concepts of examination and management of anterior eye conditions and be able to apply them to challenges within your own environment and practice
- address and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of care to patients with anterior segment conditions
- explore, critically analyse, synthesis and evaluate evidence-based literature, guidelines and underpinning theories in the management of patients with anterior segment disorders and apply this knowledge to given scenarios, demonstrating how they would determine the most appropriate solutions for a patient accessing ophthalmic care
- present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision making in written work
How the module will be delivered
The module is taught by way of lectures (PowerPoint with audio) delivered through Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system with supporting resources and references supplied. There are 2 sessions of guided online learning using webinars and based on case discussions. It takes one term to complete.
Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for students to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and their peers
Skills that will be practised and developed
Academic skills
- advance your own 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
Syllabus content
- taking a relevant ophthalmic history from patients with symptoms of external eye or anterior segment disease
- anterior segment examination of patients with corneal/external eye disease
- anterior segment imaging and diagnostic technology for patients with corneal/external eye disease
- relevance of systemic medical conditions and other ocular findings in patients with corneal/external eye disease
- interpretation and synthesis of clinical findings in corneal/external eye disease
- clinical decision making for patients with corneal/external eye disease
- formulation of a clinical management plan in patients with corneal/external eye disease
- surgical techniques available to treat patients with corneal disease, with an emphasis on keratoconus patients and corneal diseases requiring transplantation
- the role of the optometrist in managing surgical patients in the context of keratoconus or corneal transplantation
How the module will be assessed
Formative assessments
There are formative case-based presentations – these are key features scenarios, where the learner can work through the case by answering sets of questions and see the answers.
Students may submit one formative written piece of coursework and receive feedback.
Summative assessments
- online Test (50%): There is an MCQ test that will assess comprehension and application across the entire syllabus, which students take at the end of the semester.
- written Coursework (50%): Students will submit one written piece of coursework.
