OPTO71362 Professional Certificate in Glaucoma syllabus and aims

Credits: 15
Semester: 2

Aims:

  • To provide an understanding of changes that occur in the glaucomatous eye.
  • To prepare healthcare professionals to participate in community or hospital-based schemes involving the detection and management of ocular hypertension (OHT) and chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG).
  • To provide a comprehensive knowledge of the technologies used in the diagnosis and management of OHT and COAG.
  • To provide an understanding of the approach to, and the various treatment modalities for, the management of glaucoma.

Learning Outcomes:

  • An understanding of the relevant anatomy and physiology of the normal eye and the changes that occur in glaucoma.
  • A comprehension of the different types of glaucoma; a knowledge of the prevalence of, and risk factors for, the glaucoma and an understanding of the associated visual impairment.
  • An ability to interpret images of the optic nerve head and visual field charts.
  • An ability to make appropriate management decisions based upon clinical guidelines e.g. NICE.
  • An understanding of the principles and application of the techniques used in the diagnosis and management of COAG.
  • A comprehensive knowledge of the rationale for, and mechanism of, the current therapeutic options in the management of COAG.

Coursework

The course includes summative assessments of learner’s management/diagnostic skills when provided with clinical data (optic nerve head images, visual field charts and IOP data).

Assessment:

Written Examination (100%)
OSCE (Pass/ Fail for professional accreditation)