Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2023-2024

Pathogenesis of human disease based on a molecular and cellular framework. Fundamental concepts such as homeostasis, cell injury, protective responses (inflammation, fever, immune response) and the healing process. Systemic pathophysiology: abnormal functions of the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, nervous system, urinary system, muscular system, respiratory system and digestive system.

This course presents the detailed anatomy of the head and neck, with emphasis on the special senses. The course includes neuroanatomy as a basis for understanding how various neuronal systems function.

Bacterial physiology and genetics, normal flora, bacteria (including chlamydiae and rickettsiae), fungi, viruses, parasites and related diseases, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of ocular disease and relevant ocular manifestations in appropriate topics.

Nature of light, wave motion and superposition, rectilinear propagation, reflection and refraction, image formation and quality, optical properties of plane and curved surfaces, prisms and thin lenses. Apertures and pupils. Thick lens theory, lens systems, ray construction, Fraunhofer diffraction and resolution limit. Fresnel diffraction. Simple optical eye models. Refractive error and its correction. Interference and coherence of light:applications. Lasers.

The organization of human cells, tissues and organs. Cellular structure and function is presented as a foundation for understanding fundamental pathological constructs (e.g. carcinoma versus sarcoma). Detailed histology of major organ systems that are likely to have ocular manifestations when diseased. This coursework will provide the basis for subsequent courses in the pathobiology of ocular and systemic human disease.

Sensory processes involved in visual perception. Topics include spectral sensitivity, light and dark adaptation, temporal and spatial resolution, and principles of photometry.

This course presents the detailed anatomy of the eye. The course includes histology, gross anatomy and physiology, as a basis for understanding how the various ocular structures function individually and interact with each other. The course emphasizes the processes operating to maintain the eye as a viable organ and provides a patho-physiological and clinical perspective of the implications of breakdown of these mechanisms.

A selective study of human gross anatomy as a basis for understanding disease. Strong emphasis is placed on head and neck anatomy, including the orbit, but thorough coverage of thorax, abdomen and pelvis is provided as well. Didactic material is illustrated in laboratory experience with prosected human cadavers, plasticized cadaveric material, anatomical models and computer-based learning tools.

Refraction and reflection of light by the surfaces of the eye. Optical properties of emmetropic and ametropic eyes as a function of growth and pupil size and their measurement. Properties of the retinal image including size, blur and quality and their relationship to imperfections of the optics. Light scattered in the eye. Relationships between the retinal image and visual perception. The retinal image and accommodation.

An introduction to the vertebrate immune response; the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system; humoral and cell-mediated immunity; initiation and regulation of the immune response; the immune system and disease, techniques used in immunology. Unique features of the immunobiology of the eye are included.

An introduction to colour perception, colourimetry and colour discrimination. Characteristics of congenital and acquired colour vision deficiencies, colour vision test design and patient management.

Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.

Legal aspects of practising optometry in Canada. Fundamentals of Canadian law. Negligence. Informed consent. Legislation and regulations affecting optometric practice.

Clinical techniques for the primary care examination of the optical properties and ocular health of the eye. Case history taking. Medical emergency responses. Professional boundaries.

Selected clinical techniques for students taking 152.

Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.

Introduction to the foundation and basic sciences of public health with an emphasis on the epidemiology of vision problems.

Etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the organs and tissues of the human body including: circulatory, hemopoietic/lymphoid, lungs/upper respiratory tract, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, liver/biliary tract, pancreas, urogenital system, endocrine system, musculoskeletal system, skin, nervous system diseases.

Single vision spectacle lenses. Lens and frame materials. Optical and ophthalmic instrumentation. Image quality. Polarization. Tinted lenses. Decentration and prismatic effect. Obliquely crossed cylinders. Spectacle magnification. Ophthalmic laboratory procedures: measurement of spectacle lens power.

Physical space and visual space. Fundamental perceptual processes, binocular vision, stereopsis, binocular space perception. Systems of analysing binocular vision. Theory of aniseikonia. Perceptual aspects of aniseikonia.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic theory. Systemic medications used to manage most major diseases. Mechanism of action, contraindications and systemic and ocular adverse drug reactions.

The neural processing of colour, brightness, movement and form by the retina, lateral geniculate, cortex, superior colliculus and other brain centres. Neural mechanisms underlying binocular depth perception, the accommodative response and eye movement.

Anterior segment disease including etiology, pathogenesis, signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis and management of diseases of the ocular adnexa and anterior segment of the eye: the lids, orbit and adnexa, conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, sclera, lens and cataract, the glaucomas and ocular emergencies.

Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 245.

Multifocal spectacle lenses. Aberrations of thin lenses and spectacle lens design. Prescribing and fitting of spectacles. Environmental and occupational prescribing. Prescription analysis. Ophthalmic and visual standards. Computer vision syndrome. Ophthalmic laboratory procedures: measurement of complex spectacle lenses, and spectacle frame adjustment and repairs.

Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.

Basic and clinical ocular motility. Basic concepts of ocular motility are integrated with clinical methods. Assessment and diagnosis of strabismic and non-strabismic disorders.

Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 252.

Etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and epidemiology of diseases of the posterior segment of the eye; higher visual and oculomotor systems; multisystem diseases.

Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 255.

Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of ophthalmic drug design and delivery. Selection and use of ophthalmic diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, palliative agents and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. Mechanism of action, contraindications and adverse drug reactions. Recommended guidelines for use and follow-up procedures.

Differential diagnosis and problem specific testing using a systems examination approach. Minimum database expectations. Record keeping, case presentations, counselling, referrals and report writing. Preparation for entry into Optometry Clinic including policy review and standards of practice. Observation and preliminary testing in the Optometry Clinic.

Detection and evaluation of sensory and motor characteristics of vision in aniseikonic, strabismic and nonstrabismic patients. Classifications, diagnoses, prognoses, and modes of therapy for aniseikonic, nonstrabismic, and strabismic patients.

The clinical application of the visual sciences. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnostic method of analyzing clinical data with consideration given to appropriate clinical techniques, effective record keeping, recommended optometric therapies, and prognoses.

A continuation of Optometry 342A. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnostic method of analyzing clinical data with special emphasis on refractive and binocular vision conditions.

Spectacle frame materials. Fitting and adjusting techniques. Selection of lens design. Lenses for high myopia. Dispensing of eye protectors. Optics of low vision aids. Patient counselling and management of dispensing problems. Laboratories provide experience in practical aspects of ophthalmic dispensing.

Indications and contra-indications for contact lens wear. Lens selection and design. Fitting and evaluating rigid and hydrogel soft contact lenses. Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of contact lens materials. Optical and mathematical concepts. The ocular physiological response to contact lens wear. Care and maintenance of contact lenses.

Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 347.

Students are assigned to various areas within the clinic where, under direct clinical faculty supervision, they participate in the provision of optometric services to clinic patients. In addition to primary care, they are exposed to the provision of contact lens, ocular health, and optical services.

Students are assigned to various areas within the clinic where, under direct clinical faculty supervision, they participate in the provision of optometric services to clinic patients. In addition to primary care, they are exposed to the provision of contact lens, ocular health, and optical services.

A survey of alternative philosophical perspectives involved in resolution of sample ethical and moral issues confronting optometrists. Awareness of the explicit and implicit contents of written and vocal communications. An exploration of optometric communication issues related to letter and report writing, patient counselling, patient referral, fee presentation, and complaint management.

General principles, types and uses of lasers in eyecare. Biagnostic, thermal, ionizing, and excimer lasers. Refractive surgery. Safety and efficacy. Pre-operative and post-operative care.

Detection and management of chronic and acute complications induced by contact lenses. Contact lens management options for special conditions such as dry eye, aphakia, and keratoconus (and other corneal irregularities). Disposable lenses and replacement regimens. Extended wear options. Alternative management of refractive errors such as orthokeratology and refractive surgery. Contact lenses and presbyopia.

Advanced considerations of the etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical case management with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.

Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 375.

Optometric examination and management of infants, children, and patients with learning disabilities or multiple challenges. General child development and the development of the optical and sensory-motor functions of the visual system. Learning disabilities and related vision problems. The role of the optometrist in conjunction with parents, teachers, and psychologists.

Practice management issues relating to solo, associateships, contracts, the development and running of a clinical practice, opening a practice, staff training, dealing with complaints, data collection, practice promotion and marketing, advertising, financial and legal issues.

Overview of current medical diagnoses and management of systemic diseases with ocular involvement. History and physical examination (including neurological examination), clinical laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging. Diseases of high prevalence including cardiovascular, cancer, endocrine, and neurological disorders.

Aging and its effects on the visual system in both health and disease, care, and management of the aging patient. Assessment and management of visual impairment and disability, including both optical and non-optical therapies. Epidemiology and psychology of vision impairment, and associated rehabilitative services.

Building on analytical principles developed in OPTOM 342, this course involves student, case-based presentations in a grand rounds format. Each student chooses one, different, interesting case from his/her previous clinical experience. The student presents the case and answers questions related to the case and the patient's condition(s). Faculty discussants will direct the students in assessing the basic and clinical science features of the cases. Patient cases may be chosen from any aspect of optometric practice.

An independent paper in the form of literature review on the student's area of interest, experimental design proposition, and preliminary data. Before registering in the course the student and the designated supervisor must submit to the coordinator a research proposal for the student's research area. The format of the paper is to be determined with the supervisor and may be in chapters, in journal style, or in an oral presentation, during the registered term, at seminar sessions (OPTOM 609/OPTOM 629).

An independent research project on an approved topic, supervised by a faculty member. This is the completion of the research proposal in OPTOM 441 and it is recommended that the format of the report, to be determined with the supervisor, follow the format selected for OPTOM 441.

Supervised optometric patient care in one or more external clinical settings.This course is complementary to OPTOM 468 Clinical Clerkship 2 and includes optometric assessment, diagnosis and management of refractive errors, disorders and diseases of the eye and visual system, along with associated systemic conditions and practice management. [Offered: S, F, W]

Intensive study of a speciality optometric topic. Course formats may involve lectures, clinical worships, literature reviews or research projects.

This is a seminar course.

Supervised optometric patient care in one, or more, external clinical settings. This course is complementary to OPTOM 458 Clinical Clerkship 1 and includes optometric assessment, diagnosis and management of refractive errors, disorders and diseases of the eye and visual system, along with associated systemic conditions and practice management. [Offered: S, F, W]

This course will provide an opportunity for optometry students to discuss and evaluate clinical techniques, instrumentation, and ideologies not covered in the current curriculum. Students will be encouraged to use their basic knowledge of the vision sciences to provide a perceptive critique of the clinical subjects addressed.

Supervised optometric patient care in a variety of the University of Waterloo optometric clinical settings. Activities include assessment, diagnosis and management of disorders and diseases of the eye and visual system, along with associated systemic conditions, dispensing and fitting of optometric appliances and rehabilitative vision care. [Offered: S, F, W]

Remediation in areas failed during clinical exit examinations. On-site clinical rotations and self-study guided by the faculty.