Lab: 120 hrs/semester
- Application / calculation exercises in laboratory
- Laboratory assignments
- Independent study
Introduction
- Laboratory objectives
- Orientation to laboratory instruments and equipment
- Laboratory hygiene
- Equipment sterilization
Traditional and Computerized Diagnostic Technologies
- Slit lamp biomicroscope
- Vertex conversion chart
- Snellen chart
- Automated corneal topography
- Keratometry
- Hand loupe
- Dioptric conversion chart
- Acuity trial lens set
- Autorefractor
- Lensometer
- Diameter gauge
- Phoropter
Lens Types, Material Characteristics, Fitting, and Relationship to Ocular Health
- Material compounds
- Material configurations and design
- Lens parameter determination
- Chemical properties of contact lenses
- Manufacturer material limitations
Contact Lens Solution Properties, Chemical Compounds, Procedures, and Relationship to Ocular Health
- Chemical disinfection systems
- Hydrogen peroxide disinfection
- Surfactant cleaners
- Enzyme cleaners
- Rewetting agents
- Medically prescribed ocular pharmaceutical agents
Professional Relationship with the Patient
- Communication and patient interaction
- New patient fit routine
- Follow-up routine
Communication and interaction with patients
- cultural safety and humility
- patient-provider relationships
- informed consent
- patient file documentation
- appropriate patient referral
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- use instruments for contact lens fitting and lens analysis to meet criteria for a well-fitting lens
- collect, record, and interpret data and patient health information during a routine contact lens fitting
- describe contact lens materials by manufacturer, label name, material compound names, water content, power range and recommended patient fitting procedure and wearing schedule
- describe contact lens cold disinfection systems, lens storage solutions, surfactant cleaning solutions, enzyme cleaners, rewetting agents, and medically prescribed pharmaceutical agents
- describe the physical cleaning and disinfection of contact lenses
- describe contact lens solutions by manufacturer, brand name, chemical ingredients, and recommended usage
- describe fitting concepts of eyeglass and contact lens dispensing
- describe limitations and contraindications to the automated refractive error assessment according to the Professional Standards of Practice
- incorporate cultural safety and humility in opticianry practices
- discuss the history and ongoing effects of colonization on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, including disparities of power in patient-provider relationships
- identify situations where informed consent may be problematic and take appropriate steps to ensure patient understanding
- adhere to infection prevention and control measures established by jurisdiction and national regulatory bodies
- recognize significant signs and symptoms in relation to the patient's eyes to identify the need for referral
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
- Professionalism, preparedness, and attendance 0-5%
- Assignments 10-20%
- Term tests 40-60%
- Final exam 25-30%
Consult the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Efron, Contact Lens Practice, current edition, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier.
OPTI 1310 or meeting requirements for direct entrance into the second year of the program.