Clinical aspects of refraction measurement

Criedited subjects: Optometry I and II, Introduction to binocular vision, Optometry Clinic I and II, Ophthalmic optics I and II

Classroom

Lecture and exercises for students of the 4th year of European programme in ophthalmic optics and optometry, devoted to selected issues of clinical optometry. The classes are designed to prepare the student for proper optometric management of patients with various eye diseases and screening for these diseases.

The exercises will be divided into two parts. In the first, students will learn how to examine with selected diagnostic equipment (including autorefractometer, topograph, aberrometer, OCT for anterior segment of the eye, non-contact tonometer, perimeter) and interpret the results of these examinations. In the second practice part, students will perform a complete optometric examination of patients from the risk groups of eye diseases discussed in the lecture.

As part of the exercise, students will also be required to prepare a case study presentation for a discussion of the necessary procedures and treatment.

Lecture topics:

– disorders of the ocular surface

– progression of myopia

– refractive surgery

– AMD

– glaucoma

– correction of myopia

– diabetes

– cataract

Program of practical classes without patients:

1. Corneal topography and ocular surface diagnostics (non-invasive tear film break time, evaluation of tear film dynamics, evaluation of the lipid layer of the tear film, evaluation of conjunctival and limbal hyperemia, and meibography) using a Placido disk-based corneal topographer.

2. Corneal topography examination by AS-OCT to pre-qualify the patient for refractive laser surgery.

3. The examination of the anterior segment of the eye using AS-OCT to assess the health of the cornea and the anterior chamber depth.

4. The examination of intraocular pressure.

5. The examination of the visual field.

4. Repetition of refraction examination procedures, examination of the anterior segment of the eye in the slit lamp including the Van Herrick procedure for assessing the anterior chamber angle, evaluation of the posterior segment of the eyeball with an undilated pupil using a Volk lens and ocular surface condition.

Exercises with patients will require the patient to undergo a complete optometric examination along with screening for various eye diseases.

The student knows and understands the risk factors, course, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and optometric management of the eye diseases discussed. The student is able to identify patients at risk, perform screening for various eye diseases, educate patients regarding prevention, and knows when to refer patients for further ophthalmic diagnosis.

The student is able to perform corneal topography, AS-OCT, ocular surface assessment, tonometry, and perimetry and interpret the results of these tests.

Written examination of the lecture section.

Report on all cases examined (assessed).

Attendance compulsory in all classes.

The final grade is the average of the component grades.