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Frailty is an age-related, progressive geriatric syndrome related to pathological changes in underlying physiological and psycho-social function and the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in older people. Draws on evidence from biomedical and social science research to equip nurses for the care and treatment of older people affected by frailty.

Overview of the interdisciplinary study of human vision. The course introduces the biological/physiological organisation of the visual system, discusses the subjective nature of perception, and the implications of studies of biological visual systems for machine vision. Interdisciplinary understandings of vision will be enriched by the examination of historical paintings and artists’ visual experiences.

A clinically-focused course introducing students to optometric practice and addressing, at an introductory level, the ethical, cultural, theoretical and clinical aspects of the optometric examination. Topics covered include: preliminary tests from the eye examination, communication skills and clinical problem solving. The course will emphasise assessment utilising advanced equipment and the production of clinically relevant outcomes and diagnosis-supportive hypotheses.

An introduction to optics relevant to optometry and necessary to understand the optical performance of the eye, the design of ophthalmic lens applications, and the principles of operation of clinical instrumentation. Topics include; the basic principles of physical optics, the principles of image formation by lenses and lens systems mirrors and prisms, optics of the eye, ocular ametropia and aberrations.

Anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual pathway. Topics include composition and structure of the tear film, neural processing in the visual cortex, aspects of visual function including spatial and temporal vision, motion perception and colour vision. Investigation of visual perception using psychophysical and electrophysiological techniques.

An integrative approach to the scope of optometric practice, addressing both the theoretical basis and clinical practice of the optometric examination, correction of refractive error and dispensing of optical appliances. Topics covered include: visual acuity, visual fields, colour vision, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, refractive examination, binocular examination, optical correction, lens materials and coatings, history taking, communication skills and clinical problem solving.

General principles of pharmacology. Pharmacodynamics. Drug absorption, distribution and metabolism. Mechanism of drug action at receptors. Drugs and their application on ophthalmic practice. The autonomic nervous system: anatomy and physiology. Mechanisms of action of ocular pharmaceutical agents. Principles of pharmacological treatment of ocular disease. Drug interactions. Legislation on use of ocular pharmaceutical agents by optometrists in New Zealand and internationally. Introduction to therapeutic agents in optometric practice. Scope of treatment. Shared care.

Pathophysiology of the eye. Histopathology of eye disease. Pathology of orbit, lacrimal system, conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, lens and retina. Developmental anomalies of the eye.

To provide an understanding of visual information processing in human brain. In particular the cortical processing of shape, motion and colour, and development of the visual cortex will be addressed. A problem-oriented approach will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will acquire the ability to seek, evaluate and retrieve scientific information on which to base their clinical practice.

Facilitates the transition from student to professional optometrist. Topics addressed include: structuring the routine optometric examination in a clinical setting, diagnosis and management of disorders of the visual system, case analysis, myopia control, visual ergonomics, vision screening, and visual standards. This course culminates in students examining and managing clients in the public University Clinics under supervision.

Principles of contact lens fitting and clinical procedures used in contact lens practice. Topics include: current designs of contact lenses, soft and rigid materials used in contact lens manufacture, contact lens optics and verification techniques, contact lens fitting, patient contact lens care, and complications associated with contact lens wear.

An advanced clinical course including consideration of visual disorders specific to children, adults with binocular vision abnormalities, or those with visual impairment including the older population. Topics include: developmental aspects and assessment of infants/children, investigation and management of binocular eye-movement disorders; and diagnosis and management of vision problems in visually impaired patients including electronic, optical and non-optical low vision appliances.

Signs, symptoms and diagnosis of diseases of the eye, ocular adnexa and visual system, including neurological dysfunction and signs of systemic disease. Management of diseases of eye, ocular adnexa and visual system, including the use of therapeutic agents. Indications, contraindications and side effects of therapeutic agents for the treatment of ocular disease.

Clinical work with responsibility, under supervision, for patients.

Clinical work with greater emphasis on particular areas in optometry including: contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision, paediatric optometry and practice management.

Advanced clinical work experience in locations external to the Grafton Campus Optometry Clinic. These locations may include University satellite clinics, private optometry practices, hospital eye departments, private ophthalmology practices, overseas institutions, or other approved locations. Topics include; therapeutic management of eye disease, legislation relevant to healthcare including registration and competency, occupational safety and health, ethics, practice management, small business management.

The study of selected fields of optometry at an advanced level with detailed study of the particular field. The topic will be prescribed by the Head of School.

The study of selected fields of optometry at an advanced level with detailed study of the particular field. The topic will be prescribed by the Head of School.

Supervised research that represents the personal scholarly work of a student based on a coherent inquiry at an advanced level into an approved topic related to vision science.

Students will learn about the pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management of common medical issues which affect infants from birth through the first year of life. Students will gain both theoretical and practical skills in clinical topics that affect neonates and infants.

Students will learn about the pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management of common medical issues which affect infants from birth through the first year of life. Students will gain both theoretical and practical skills in clinical topics that affect neonates and infants.

Focuses on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management of common acute and chronic medical issues that affect infants, children, adolescents and young adults from the first year of life onwards. Students will develop both practical and theoretical skills.

Students will draw on their paediatric clinical exposure to reflect and modify clinical practice to meet best practices. Students will be given the opportunity to apply complex clinical theory in a structured framework. Students will develop a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings in paediatric clinical medicine and proficiency to apply relevant skills.

Youth injury prevention, resiliency factors and reproductive issues, and advocacy for young people. How do you make a difference in youth health? This course introduces key concepts in population youth health and utilises an evidence based approach and New Zealand practice examples to consider how youth health can be improved in communities and populations.

Develops and extends knowledge and skills in clinical interviewing, comprehensive assessments and effective interventions with young people.