Orthoptics BMedSci

This module aims to introduce students to issues related to understanding persons as individuals, and as members of society. Content includes: theoretical models of disability; psychosocial impact of disability across the lifespan; concepts of self and identity; concepts of attitudes and their measurement; health beliefs and behaviours and the role of gender, socioeconomic and cultural factors in healthcare and education. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, attitudes and interpersonal skills in the context of their impact on interactions with clients, their families and other professionals.

This module introduces the clinical testing techniques, such as  different aspects of vision, ocular alignment, binocular vision, ocular motility and ophthalmic tests relevant to orthoptic practice. Expertise is gained by demonstration and practice on peers and normal subjects at the University, combined with clinical placements at different hospital sites. Clinical skills practice provides an opportunity to use these techniques and apply the findings to diagnose and form a management plan for concomitant strabismus. This module incorporates development of the interpersonal communication skills for inclusive and non-discriminatory  clinical practice. Working with others in a clinical setting, maintaining confidentiality and reflection on clinical skills and experiences are all introduced as part of professional clinical orthoptic practice.

To introduce the student to the principles of geometric and physical optics, with particular reference to the eye.

This module introduces the student to basic orthoptic concepts, with particular emphasis upon the investigation of normal Binocular Single Vision, the investigation, diagnosis and management of concomitant strabismus and the diagnosis and management of heterophoria. This module concentrates on investigative techniques and interpretation of findings leading to making a diagnosis and management plans. Aspects of visual perception relevant to orthoptic practice are introduced.  Normal child development is introduced with an emphasis on how orthoptic assessments may need to be adapted depending on the age and ability of the child.

This module covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. It provides an overview of how the normal body functions giving a basis for understanding what happens when something goes wrong.

This module gives detailed anatomy and physiology of structures and functions of the eye and brain. It provides the detail of the function of the eyes and their neural control. It introduces the clinical appearance of the normal human eye and a number of common pathologies encountered in eye clinics.

The associated professional studies forms a compulsory part of the BMedSci (Hons) orthoptic degree. It is divided into two parts: Professional ethics and the organisational structure of the NHS and health policy in the UK. Professional ethics provide awareness and discussion of medical ethics, law and appropriate professional behaviour as a health care professional including wider issues affecting clinical practice and research. The organisational structure of the NHS and health policy in the UK introduces students to management structures and practices within the national health service and an introduction to screening in health care. Introduction to promoting health and preventing ill health.

This module introduces assessment techniques related to incomitant strabismus and competence is achieved by demonstration and practising these skills at the University. The clinical placement element provides experience of testing concomitant and incomitant strabismus and further develops clinical skills and application of theoretical knowledge to the practice situation. Reflective practice skills will be developed.

This module introduces the student to basic orthoptic concepts, with particular emphasis upon the investigation of normal Binocular Single Vision, the investigation, diagnosis and management of concomitant strabismus and the diagnosis and management of heterophoria. This module concentrates on investigative techniques and interpretation of findings leading to making a diagnosis and management plans. Aspects of visual perception relevant to orthoptic practice are introduced.  Normal child development is introduced with an emphasis on how orthoptic assessments may need to be adapted depending on the age and ability of the child.

To develop an awareness of the clinical characteristics of refractive errors, and their effect on vision, and to use objective and subjective methods of refracting patients. To consider the nature of low vision aids, illumination and the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. This understanding is related to the clinical content of the course, in order to enhance the role of the orthoptist within a multi-disciplinary team.

To develop an awareness of the clinical characteristics of refractive errors, and their effect on vision, and to use objective and subjective methods of refracting patients. To be competent with the methods of investigation and to be able to describe the clinical appearance of the normal human eye.

To develop an understanding of the causes, mechanisms and effects of ocular tumours and non-ocular tumours affecting the eyes. To develop knowledge of management and prognosis of tumours, in particular ocular types.

This module introduces the basic principles of research methods and statistical analysis. It includes how to conduct scientific literature searches, critically evaluate a research paper, develop a research question, how to design an experiment and awareness of what to include in a research protocol. Basic statistical methods and statistical analysis are introduced.

To develop the ability to identify and describe the clinical characteristics and management of relevant ophthalmic disorders and general ophthalmic conditions applicable to the orthoptists scope of practice. Students are taught investigative procedures, examination techniques and disease recognition and practice given on peers and on patients.

This module  consolidates application of theoretical knowledge to clinical situations and further improves clinical skills in all aspects of orthoptic work.  It enables further improved reflective skills and understanding of the value of evidence based practice.

This module requires a student to independently conduct an empirical research project. The project involves converting a hypothesis into an experimental design, developing a project protocol, obtaining ethical approval, conducting a well controlled experiment, and analysis of the experiment data using appropriate descriptive statistics and graphical presentation. A presentation of preliminary experiment findings is given. The write up of the experiment must be written in such a manner that it can be replicated and understood by the readers.

The strabismus and ocular motility module will deepen the understanding of binocular vision, strabismus and ocular motility defects, with specific emphasis on more complex ocular motility disorders. Knowledge of the investigation, diagnosis and management of these disorders will be further developed with insight into current research. Demonstrate knowledge of neurological conditions affecting visual function and how the conditions are diagnosed, clinical characteristics, and managed from an ocular perspective.    

This subject area will facilitate practice in the area of prescription only and non-prescription exemption listed medicines for Orthoptists, by enhancing knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and actions of these specific medicines. It will advance learning and understanding of the different non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches to modifying disease and inform students of the potential for adverse effects and how to minimise them. Students will be enabled to apply the principles of evidence-based practice including clinical and cost-effectiveness. These areas of knowledge and understanding will enable graduates to be annotated on the register with the Health and Care Professionals Council, to use exemptions to sell, supply and administer specific listed medicines for any condition within their scope of practice.