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OPHT802 Ophthalmic Physiology

Physiology of the human eye and visual systems and related neuro-physiology, including the scientific application of psychophysical testing as a basis for current and future ophthalmic clinical practice.

The Department of Medicine offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Basic Sciences (PGDipOphthBS), taught in conjunction with the University of Sydney. This consists of four 30-point papers, which can be taken full time over a year or part time up to five years. This diploma is intended for medical graduates with at least two years' experience who are either wishing to embark on a career in ophthalmology or in a recognised training programme and wish to enhance their understanding of the ophthalmic basic sciences. The diploma is based on the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists' curriculum, which has been extended to include clinical correlations where appropriate.

Paper title Ophthalmic Physiology
Paper code OPHT802
Subject Ophthalmology
EFTS 0.25
Points 30 points
Teaching period(s) 1st Non standard period (21 February 2023 - 19 June 2023) (Distance learning)
2nd Non standard period (7 August 2023 - 1 December 2023) (Distance learning)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $3,018.75
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Restriction
OPHX 802
Limited to
PGDipOphthBS
Eligibility
Must be admitted to the PGDipOphthBS or a Certificate of Proficiency.
Contact
Application enquiries to:
Postgraduate Administrator postgradadmin.medicine@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Logan Mitchell

Other practising ophthalmologists with a particular interest in basic sciences have been selected from throughout Australasia to teach on this course.

Paper Structure

This paper will be assessed by way of

  • Essay 1 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Essay 2 15%
  • Journal Club 10%
  • Examination: 45%

The examination will be held at the end of the semester in which the paper has been taught. All examinations are conducted under the regulations of the University of Otago.

Teaching Arrangements

This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

This paper is offered through Distance Learning using web-based teaching and interactive online tutorials. The lectures are available via the University of Sydney Canvas website, in which you will be enrolled.

Textbooks

Suggested Textbooks:
Some are reference texts and are expensive. It is suggested that the student should consult local hospital and medical school libraries to see if any of the following texts are available. It is also suggested that online bookstores may be able to provide the texts at a cheaper price than local bookstores (beware of security issues). Have a look in local second-hand university bookstores or ask local previous candidates (or ophthalmology registrars) if they wish to part with their pre-loved texts (if they allow it, we may be able to provide you contact details).The lectures will reference relevant texts and will provide additional relevant material (copyright allowing). The Medical Society Bookshop and Coop Bookshop (Sydney) have both been informed of the prescribed texts.

Prescribed texts:

  • Adler's Physiology of the Eye (11th Ed) Kaufman ed, Saunders Elsevier 2011
  • Review of Medical Physiology (21st Ed) WF Ganong, McGraw Hill 2003

Additional texts:

  • Biochemistry of the Eye RE Anderson (ed), American Academy of Ophthalmology Manuals Program, 1983
  • Physics for Ophthalmologists DJ Coster (ed) Churchill Livingstone, Sydney 1997
  • The Eye: Basic Sciences and Practice. Forrester JV, Dick AD, McMenamin P, Lee WR. WB Saunders 2003. ISBN: 0702025410
  • Duane's Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology. JB Lippincott Co, Philadelphia
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to
  • Describe the normal physiological functioning of the human eye and nervous system
  • Describe the principal physiological laws and phenomena that apply to these systems
  • Describe how these physiological processes are measured and the limitations of such tests

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Timetable

1st Non standard period (21 February 2023 - 19 June 2023)

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught through Distance Learning
Learning management system
Other

2nd Non standard period (7 August 2023 - 1 December 2023)

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught through Distance Learning
Learning management system
Other