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Curriculum Course Descriptions

MCO Curriculum

BIOL 438 Microbiology and Immunology for Optometry

Medical microbiology and immunology with an emphasis on microbial diseases of the eye and ocular immunology. This course meets General Education requirements: Scientific Understanding.

OPTM 511 - Introduction to Optometry

An overview of the profession of optometry and optometric education. The concept of professionalism as it relates to being a professional level student and to the practice of optometry.

OPTM 514 Ethics & The Dr./Patient Relationship

This basic course reviews ethical theory, ethics in health care, and optometric ethics. Discussion and practical applications will enhance decision-making skills that will contribute to students ethical behavior and professionalism with an emphasis on patient care. The basic interpersonal skills specific to the Doctor - Patient relationship will also be taught emphasizing both the art and science of effective communication in building patient s trust and collaboration.

OPTM 524 Geometric, Physical & Visual Optics 1

Vergence treatment of first order image formation by lenses, single spherical interfaces, and mirrors. Emmetropia and ametropia of the human eye. Spectacle and contact lens corrections. Accommodation and ranges of clear vision. Reduced systems. Tear lens effect. Optics of spherocylindrical lenses and astigmatism. Prisms and prism-lens combinations. Lens motions and rotations. Decentration.

OPTM 525 - Physical & Visual Optics 2

Equivalent power, system matrices, cardinal points, Gullstrand schematic eyes. Angular magnification. Stops and related effects. Aberration theory. Coherence and interference. Laser acuity testing, laser refraction, anti-reflecting films. Diffraction and resolution. Diffractive gratings and lenses. Scattering, dispersion, and polarization. Emission, absorption and photons. Laser ocular surgery concepts. Modulation transfer functions. Aberrations of the Human Eye.

OPTM 526 Vision Science 1

An examination of the basic techniques, terminology, concepts, and fundamental data involved in the study of human vision, including specification of the visual stimulus, visual optics, duplicity, photochemistry, color vision, ocular motility, and spatio-temporal monocular afferent processing. Psychophysical and electrophysiological data will be considered and compared.

OPTM 534 Ocular Anatomy & Physiology

A detailed discussion of the anatomy of the orbit. Particular emphasis is given to cellular, histological, and gross anatomical organization of the eye. The anatomical relationships of the orbital contents including the extraocular muscles, the orbital nerves, the orbital blood vessels, and the ocular adnexa are described. Physiology and biochemistry of the principal constituents of the eye, including: the cornea, crystalline lens, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, retina, ciliary apparatus, and tear film.

BIOL 537 Anatomy and Physiology for Optometry 1

This is the first of a two semester sequence whose subject is structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on systemic processes which impact the normal function of the eye and its adnexa. Topics include cell and tissue histology, muscle/digestive/visceral/neuro and endocrine anatomy and physiology. The laboratory will provide practical experience with structure/function relationships, and an in-depth analysis of the skull, orbit, and the physiological effects of various systems on ocular structure and function.

BIOL 538 Anatomy and Physiology for Optometry 2

This is the second of a two semester sequence that covers human structure and function and its clinical application. Topics in this course include organ systems including the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. Interaction and interdependency of various systems will also be explored, as well as clinical issues associated with systemic and ocular dysfunction.

OPTM 543 Optometric Procedures 1

Basic understanding of objective and subjective refractive error determination of the human eye, accommodative and oculomotor function testing, and the interrelation and analysis of relevant data.

OPTM 559 Introduction to Medical Record Keeping

Theoretical and practical experience in using electronic health records to improve patient care outcomes.  Topics include HIPAA security, medical terminology, adding/editing patient records, professional communications.

OPTM 615 Practice Management 1

This course will involve strategies for debt management and personal finance, as they affect optometric practice. In addition, adjunct topics include financial management, managed care, HIPAA, and other legal issues which may affect optometric practice.

OPTM 627 Vision Science 2

This course is a continuation of Vision Science 1.Content will include advanced analysis of spatial vision, binocular vision,extrastriate processing of visual information, an integrated approach to ocular motility, and developmental issues in vision science.

OPTM 628 Ophthalmic Optics

The physical and optical consideration of ophthalmic spectacle lenses including shape, thickness, weight, materials, coatings, impact resistance. Dress Lens Rx Standards and Verification. Prism, Decentration, Slab-off. Corrected Curve Lenses, Aspheric Lenses, Multifocals, Progressive Add Lenses, Radiation Protective Lenses (Sunglasses and Occupational), Occupational Lens Standards, Layout and Edging.

OPTM 629 Ophthalmic Dispensing Lab and Environmental Vision

A course designed to provide students with a basic knowledge base to address environmental concerns related to visual safety, protection, and potential hazards. The course also includes a laboratory portion preparing the student to competently address issues commonly found in a modern ophthalmic dispensary.

OPTM 630 General Pathology

The course will introduce students to the principles, diagnostic strategies, and therapies associated with various pathological disorders of the human body.Systemic anomalies, as well as specific local phenomena will be described, with emphasis on possible ocular implications.

OPTM 631 Physical Exam & Diagnostic Procedures

Principles and techniques of general physical examination of patients and associated diagnostic tests and procedures. Enables the optometrist to more effectively communicate with other health care professionals about the general health of their patients.

OPTM 633 Laser & Refractive Surgery

History, theory and clinical application of ocular laser procedures will be discussed. Laser surgery for the treatment of anterior and posterior segment ocular diseases and refractive surgery for correction of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia will be emphasized.

OPTM 635 Neuroanatomy & Physiology

Study of the cells of the nervous system and synaptic transmission. Development of the nervous system and comprehensive review of functional anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Special emphasis on brainstem, cranial nerve, and cortical anatomy.

OPTM 636 Diagnosis & Treatment of Anterior Seg.

Diagnosis and management of anterior segment trauma and disease including specific signs and symptoms common with the eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, lacrimal apparatus, orbit, sclera, and episclera.

OPTM 644 Optometric Procedures 2

Theory and practical experience in basic tests, instrumentation and procedures necessary to evaluate the ocular health status of a patient. Topics include: case history, sphygmomanometry, gross external examination of the eye and adnexa, pupil and muscle functions, anterior and posterior segment examination, tonometry, visual acuity, and visual fields assessment.

OPTM 645 - Diagnosis of Accom. & Binoc. Dysfunction

This course teaches the theory and clinical evaluation of anomalies of the binocular system. Description and case presentation of non-strabismic anomalies (heterophoria, accommodation, and eye movement disorders) develops the clinical understanding of diagnostic and management sequences and clinical procedures. These skills are further developed in the diagnosis and management of strabismus and its complications (amblyopia and anomalous correspondence).

OPTM 648 Contact Lenses 1

Course includes the theory and practice of the physiology,optics, design, fitting, and inspection related to hydrogels and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Also, the pharmacology and use of related solutions and contact lens care systems will be covered.

OPTM 650 Optometry Clinic 2-1

Introductory patient care experience. Includes professionalism, clinical skills, patient management, and case analysis.

OPTM 657 Clinical Problem Solving 1

This introductory, one credit hour course will enhance student's critical thinking and clinical problem solving skills predominantly related to patient refractive care and spectacles. Principles of clinical decision making will be presented along with principles for the diagnosis and treatment of refractive error. These principles will be applied to clinical case studies in a small group discussion, andragogic format.

OPTM 717 Public Health and Optometry

This course will introduce the student to relevant principles of public health and their application to clinical optometry.Topics include U.S. health care system, health care economics, third party payment programs, managed care,and governmental organizations. Delivery of eye care services in a hospital environment will also be discussed.

OPTM 718 Practice Management 2

Advanced optometric practice management covering personal financial planning, practice acquisition, business financial planning, marketing, optometric risk management, and optometric office management.

OPTM 732 Pharm. Mgmt. of Ocular Conditions

The pharmacological aspects of topical, oral, injectible, and other drugs used to manage ocular conditions are presented. In addition, simulated case studies are used to illustrate the basic and subtle clinical aspects of treating patients using pharmaceutical agents.

OPTM 733 General and Ocular Pharmacology

The general principles of pharmacology including the actions, mechanisms of actions, absorption, rate, excretions, toxicity, and the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of both systemic and ocular drugs will be discussed. Also included are the pharmaceutical treatments for HIV and AIDS. The systemic effects of ocularly administered drugs and the ocular effects of systemically administered drugs are included.

OPTM 734 Diagnosis & Treatment of Glaucoma

Anatomy and physiology of the eye related to the mechanism of glaucoma will be reviewed. Diagnosing primary and secondary open angle glaucoma and acute closed angle glaucoma utilizing computerized visual fields, photography, nerve fiber layer analysis, gonioscopy and optic nerve head examination along with advancements in medical and surgical treatment strategies for open angle, closed angle and secondary glaucoma will be discussed.

OPTM 736 Diagnosis & Treatment of Posterior Segment

The diagnosis and management of posterior segment disorders including uveal disease, infectious disease, connective tissue disease, cardiovascular disease, blood disorders, diabetes, maculopathies, and peripheral retinal disorders.

OPTM 737 Advanced Ocular Disease & Surgical Management

Course emphasizes the specific surgical, laser and/or medical management of patients with ocular disease. A portion of the course is taught by visiting optometrists and ophthalmologists from various specialties (retina, glaucoma, cornea, etc.). The differential diagnosis of eye disease is also emphasized.

OPTM 738 - Injectable Pharmaceuticals Lab

This course covers the cognitive and psychomotor skills necessary for injectable pharmaceuticals used in optometric practice including the proper techniques for starting intravenous infusions and administering sub-conjunctival, intralesional, subcutaneous, intradermal and intramuscular injections.

OPTM 739 Clinical Neuro-optometry

A clinical approach to neuro-optometric issues. The course covers eye movement diagnostics and disorders, pupil disorders, headaches, nystagmus, visual field defects, and the effects of traumatic brain injury.

OPTM 741 Developmental & Behavioral Pediatric Optometry

This course combines infant and pediatric primary eye and vision care and care of patients with vision-related learning problems. Topics include infant vision assessment, pediatric visual acuity testing, pediatric binocular vision assessment, ocular disease in children, concepts of child development, disturbances in normal development, learning disabilities, attention, memory, visual-motor integration and reading and dyslexia.

OPTM 743 Environmental Vision

Clinical assessment and decision making regarding the patient s visual performance in activities of daily living and within occupational and recreational environments. Students will learn to apply their knowledge of the patient s visual abilities within the context of the visual demands of the task and the environment. Topics will include: lighting principles, ergonomics and industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental regulation, and protective and preventative principles of ocular injury.

OPTM 744 Optometric Gerontology

The course objective is for students to develop an increased understanding of the elderly. The course content is adapted from A Recommended Continuing Education Curriculum: Geriatric Optometry for the Primary Care Practice prepared by the AOA Geriatrics and Nursing Facility Committee in June 2000. Content experts will give presentations on a variety of topics impacting the elderly and students will collaboratively evaluate the information for optometric significance.

OPTM 745 Low Vision & Geriatric Vision

The course identifies testing methods to determine the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and visual field of individuals who are either visually impaired or legally blind. Management of these functional losses may include use of optical and non-optical devices, rehabilitation services and orientation / mobility services. Optometric issues related to the geriatric patient are also covered.

OPTM 746 Treatment of Accom. & Binocular Dysfunction

This course will discuss the importance of identifying a patirnt's visual demands in comparison to his/her visual abilities. The student will learn about various occupations with special visual demands. Additionally, the student will learn how to use vision therapy techniques to improve a patient's visual abilities so that they meet or exceed the patient's visual demands. Therapies for suppression, accommodative dysfunction, vergence dysfunction, oculomotor disorders, noncomitance, and abnormal correspondence will be discussed. Sports vision and related therapies for children and advanced athletes will be presented.

OPTM 749 Contact Lenses 2

Course pertains primarily to advanced contact lens topics including extended wear, bifocal/multifocals, high toric, irregular cornea, keratoconus and orthokeratology. The fitting of cosmetic contact lenses and the management of complications resulting from contact lens wear will also be covered. Ongoing assessment will be performed utilizing the Computer Performance System.

OPTM 751 Optometry Clinic 3-1

Additional patient care experiences to refine clinical skills and analysis of visual problems.

OPTM 752 Optometry Clinic 3-2

Patient care experience in the clinical practice of optometry. Includes seminar and record review to sharpen decision making in diagnosis, management, and treatment.

OPTM 753 Optometry Clinic 3-3

Patient care experience in the clinical practice of optometry. Includes seminar and record review to sharpen decision making in diagnosis, management, and treatment.

OPTM 758 Clinical Problem Solving 2

Simulated patient experiences will be completed by the participants in order to enhance their abilities to 1) elicit an organized case history; 2) complete an appropriate, problem-oriented examination; 3)arrive at accurate differential diagnoses; 4) develop effective and appropriate treatment plans; 5) write accurate prescriptions for legend drugs; and 6) properly code the simulated visit for reimbursement. A variety of refractive, accommodative, convergence and ocular disease conditions that are representative of primary optometric care will be presented.

OPTM 759 Clinical Problem Solving 3

Simulated patient experiences will be completed by the participants in order to enhance their abilities to 1) elicit an organized case history; 2) complete an appropriate, problem-oriented examination; 3)arrive at accurate differential diagnoses; 4) develop effective and appropriate treatment plans; 5) write accurate prescriptions for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and legend drugs; and 6) properly code the simulated visit for reimbursement. A variety of refractive, accommodative, convergence, and ocular disease conditions that are representative of primary optometric care will be presented.

OPTM 811 Web Seminar 1

An asynchronous interactive Web based course covering such topics as the 4th year clinical experience, clinical self-assessment, optometric patient cases, practice management and ethics.

OPTM 812 Web Seminar 2

An asynchronous interactive Web based course covering such topics as the 4th year clinical experience, clinical self-assessment, optometric patient cases, practice management and ethics.

OPTM 813 Web Seminar 3

An asynchronous interactive Web based course covering such topics as the 4th year clinical experience, clinical self-assessment, optometric patient cases, practice management and ethics.

OPTM 817 Research Project

Individual or group research project resulting in a paper.

OPTM 854 Clinical Practice 1

Advanced patient care experience in the clinical practice of optometry at on and/or off campus clinics.

OPTM 855 Clinical Practice 2

Advanced patient care experience in the clinical practice of optometry at on and/or off campus clinics.

OPTM 856 Clinical Practice 3

Advanced patient care experience in the clinical practice of optometry at on and/or off campus clinics.