Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Optometry
Entry Requirements
The Diploma is available to both Australian and New Zealand citizens/permanent residents and to international candidates.
Eligible candidates must have completed a four-year Australian Bachelors degree in Optometry or equivalent, or hold a three-year Optometry degree (such as the BSc Optometry qualification from the United Kingdom) followed by a year of supervised clinical practice.
Course Duration
The Diploma is only offered by distance education mode. It may be completed in one year of full time study or over two years of part time study.
Structure of the Course
The Diploma requires the completion of four semester long subjects:
- 655-801 Biological Foundation of Clinical Optometry*
PLUS three subjects selected from:
- 655-803 Rehabilitation of the Partially Sighted A
- 655-804 Rehabilitation of the Partially Sighted B
- 655-805 Advanced Contact Lens Management
- 655-806 Paediatric Optometry
All subjects, with the exception of 655-804 Rehabilitation of the Partially Sighted B, are specifically designed so that they can be pursued via distance education. A study guide, which includes notes and reading material is provided to the student and/or is made available on-line via the internet. The study notes are designed to guide reading, ask questions and suggest exercises designed to promote understanding. It is expected that students will spend 6-10 hours per week study time on each subject. Most subjects offer students the opportunity to attend a half/full day seminar, once or twice during the semester, allowing students to interact and engage in discussion with the lecturer and other students. Attendance at these seminars is optional.
655-801 Biological Foundations of Clinical Optometry (Semester 1 or 2)
This subject explores the application of modern biomedical science to the understanding of ocular disorders and diseases. Topics covered include: anatomy and embryology; genetics of eye disease; biochemistry and metabolism; pharmacology; general principles of immunology, with particular reference to the eye; general principles of inflammation and wound healing; and microbiology of the eye. Attendance at one half-day seminar is optional.
* This subject is ideal preparation for those optometrists who have been graduated for more than 10 years and are considering taking the Graduate Certificate in Therapeutics.
655-803 Rehabilitation Of The Partially Sighted A (Semester 1 or 2)
Topics covered within this subject include the epidemiology and geographic distribution of blindness; the roles and methods within the rehabilitative team for the support and rehabilitation of the visually disabled; the procedures for comprehensive assessment of visual disability and the management of patients with partial sight; and the principles and performance of optical and non-optical aids for the enhancement of low vision. One full-day seminar is provided to assist candidates (attendance is optional).
655-804 Rehabilitation Of The Partially Sighted B (Semester 1 or 2)
This subject entails the completion of 13 full days of clinical work in a low vision clinic, attendance at case discussion meetings and at seminars held during the semester. Upon completion of this subject, students should be thoroughly familiar with the diseases causing visual disability and blindness; understand the social and personal impact of vision loss and the usual patterns of behavioural response and adaptation; and be skilled in the optometric assessment and management of patients with a visual disability.
Candidates must have had at least six months full-time experience in general optometric practice and have passed 655-803 Rehabilitation of the Partially Sighted A before undertaking this subject.
655-805 Advanced Contact Lens Management (Semester 2)
Upon completion of this subject, students should have detailed knowledge of alternative contact lens materials and designs; be thoroughly familiar with the ocular response to contact lenses and with the process of infection associated with contact lens wear; be prepared to manage complex contact lens presentations and contact lens related complications; and have a good understanding of the optical principles associated with all forms of contact lens correction. Attendance at a day of seminars / clinical demonstrations is recommended but not compulsory.
655-806 Paediatric Optometry (Semester 1)
This subject covers central issues within the field of paediatric optometry, with the aim of developing each student's capacity for highly evolved communication and co-management with other professionals involved in paediatric assessment and care.
A range of areas will be covered, encompassing the developmental, visual, medical and educational issues relevant to paediatric optometry. Specific areas covered will include diseases and disorders such as amblyopia, comitant and incomitant strabismus, ametropia, and disorders of refraction, accommodation and vergence.
Assessment
Assessment normally comprises a combination of assignments and/or case studies and a three-hour written exam. Arrangements can be made for written examinations to be taken in the student's city of residence or in a nearby city. However, students must arrange their own proctor at an independent educational institution (i.e. University, TAFE, School), which must be approved by the Department. Any expenses associated with remote proctoring are the responsibility of the student (a proctor may supervise more than one student being examined at any time).
Credit for Prior Studies
Students may be permitted to substitute a subject or short course of study offered by another Department of the University (or by another educational institution) for one of the four required subjects, provided it is assessed and approved by the Department as being a subject of equivalent workload and standard (and content in the case of credit applications for 655-801) and is appropriately related to the objectives of the Diploma.
Fees
For information on course fees, go to:
How to Apply
Local Applicants
Information on application
processes, including a downloadable form, is available on the web.
The closing date for applications for commencement in Semester One is 30 November and 31 May for commencement in Semester Two. Late applications may be accepted until 19 December for Semester One and 30 June for commencement in Semester Two.
International Applicants
Information on application processes, including either a downloadable or an online application form, is available on the web.
The closing date for applications for commencement in Semester One is 30 October and 30 April for commencement in Semester Two. Late applications may be accepted until 19 December for Semester One and 30 June for commencement in Semester Two.