Ophthalmic Optics - OPSC5003

Successful students can demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of optics relevant to the practise of ophthalmology. Particular emphasis is placed on the topics of physical, geometrical, physiological and instrument optics. The advanced material covered provides the students with an opportunity to explore the subject in greater depth fullfilling the requirements for a post-graduate level qualification. On completion of this unit of study the sucessful students are able to (1) describe the physical properties of light and lasers especially with reference to their interaction with the eye and instruments, (2) describe the geometrical principles of light and the laws governing lights interaction with materials, (3) outline the optical properties, limitations and image formation of common ophthalmic instruments and the design aspects that improve image quality, (4) decribe the physiological optics of the human eye and how it is evaluated and the normal changes of accommodation with age. In particular the use of optical instruments for this purpose and (5) describe the process of objective and subjective refraction and how this impacts prescription of spectacles, contact lenses or surgical management of ametropia.

Classes
Online

Assessment
2 x 2500 word assignments (30%), presentation (15%), wiki on an allocated topic (10%) and 1 x 3hr exam (45%)

Textbooks
Prescribed texts: Clinical Optics AR Elkington and HJ Frank, Blackwell Science, 3rd Ed, 2000; Optics, Refraction and Contact Lenses, Basic and Clinical Science Course, American Academy Ophthalmology, 2013. Additional texts: Optics MH Freeman, Butterworths-Heinemann Medical; 10th Ed, 1990; Optics for Clinicians M Rubin, Triad Publishing, 3rd Ed, 1993; Physics for Ophthalmologists DJ Coster 1st Ed 1994; The Fine Art of Prescribing Glasses Without Making a Spectacle of Yourself Hardcover - April 30, 2004, by Benjamin Milder (Author), Melvin L. Rubin (Author).

Assumed knowledge
Undergraduate knowledge of physics relating to light and optics