Refractive Surgery
Graduate Diploma in Refractive Surgery
(GradDipRefractSurg) KF066 or GNREFSUR1000
Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery)
(MMed(RefractSurg)) KC075 or MAMEREFS2000
| Course | Credit points for award |
Duration full-time |
Duration part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GradDip RefractSurg | 36 | 1 year | 1.5 to 3 years |
| MMed (RefractSurg) | 48 | 1 year | 1.5 to 6 years |
Overview
Refractive surgery is an ever-expanding area within the field of ophthalmology, encompassing both laser and non-laser vision correction. This has traditionally been performed by surgeons in large private clinics, but in recent years has become accepted as part of mainstream ophthalmic care. Laser eye surgery is now the most frequently performed eye operation in Australia.
The Refractive Surgery program aims to equip students with knowledge of refractive surgery theory and practice, using distance learning complemented by a two-week placement in an accredited refractive surgical centre, including time spent in the wet lab at Sydney Eye Hospital. The program is offered jointly by the University of Sydney and the University of Auckland, and is the first of its kind in any country. The lecturers include internationally recognised corneal and refractive surgeons.
Course outcomes
The courses provide graduates with the theoretical and practical foundations necessary to assess and practice refractive surgery.
Further information
The majority of the degree is in the form of distance learning.
Each of the following core units of study – Ophthalmic Anatomy, Ophthalmic Optics, Refractive Surgery 1 and Refractive Surgery 2 – requires one semester of study to complete and is taught online. The method of assessment is based on assignments (3x2000 word assignments set every three weeks: 90 percent), problem-based learning modules and online participation (10 percent).
The Practical Refractive Surgery unit of study is offered once a year in November. Students are required to attend a two-week full-time course (2x5 days) held at accredited private refractive surgery centres. Assessment will be based on an online surgical logbook (40 percent) and an observed structured clinical exam (60percent).
Important note
Overseas-trained specialists who wish to practise in Australia will require documentation from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) that they meet RANZCO guidelines for specialist practice in Australia.
Suitably qualified candidates can apply for credit for Ophthalmic Anatomy (OPSC5001) and Ophthalmic Optics (OPSC5003) on the basis of prior learning. Requests for credit must have approval from the Unit of Study Coordinator, the Course Coordinator and the Chair of the Board of Postgraduate Studies before credit will be granted. If credit is approved, students will be exempt from payment for any units for which credit is given.
Pattern of enrolment
It is recommended that students enrol in units in the following order if studying part time.
Master's degree (part time)
| Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|
Semester 1 |
|
|
OPSC5001 |
9 |
| Semester 2 | |
| OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics |
9 |
| Year 2 | |
|---|---|
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
| Semester 1 | |
| OPSC5018 Refractive Surgery 1 |
6 |
|
Semester 2 |
|
|
OPSC5019 |
6 |
|
OPSC5020 |
6 |
| Year 3 | |
|---|---|
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
| Semester 1 | |
| OPSC5023 and OPSC5024, or OPSC5025 Dissertation Refractive Surgery |
12 |
Graduate Diploma (part time)
| Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|
Semester 1 |
|
|
OPSC5001 |
9 |
| Semester 2 | |
| OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics |
9 |
| Year 2 | |
|---|---|
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
| Semester 1 | |
| OPSC5018 Refractive Surgery 1 |
6 |
|
Semester 2 |
|
|
OPSC5019 |
6 |
|
OPSC5020 |
6 |
If studying full time, the following pattern is recommended:
Master's degree (full time)
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
|
|
OPSC5001 |
9 |
| OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics |
9 |
| OPSC5018 Refractive Surgery 1 |
6 |
| Semester 2 | |
| OPSC5019 Refractive Surgery 2 |
6 |
| OPSC5020 Practical Refractive Surgery (intensive block mode over 3 weeks – offered in Nov/Dec) |
6 |
| OPSC5023 and OPSC5024, or OPSC5025 Dissertation Refractive Surgery |
12 |
Graduate Diploma (full time)
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
|
|
OPSC5001 |
9 |
| OPSC5018 Refractive Surgery 1 |
6 |
| Semester 2 | |
| OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics |
9 |
| OPSC5019 Refractive Surgery 2 |
6 |
| OPSC5020 Practical Refractive Surgery (intensive block mode over 3 weeks – offered in Nov/Dec) |
6 |
Further enquiries
Rebecca Stoop
Phone: +61 2 9382 7284
Fax: +61 2 9382 7318
Email:
Website: sydney.edu.au/medicine/eye
Degree resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2012. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KF066 |
Graduate Diploma in Refractive Surgery |
| KC075 | Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degree in these resolutions is a professional master's course, as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
(a)
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
(c)
completion of the requirements of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, and be eligible to undertake a subspecialty fellowship in the final year of accredited training;
(a)
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
(c)
completion of the requirements of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, and be eligible to undertake a subspecialty fellowship in the final year of accredited training;
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Refractive Surgery.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Refractive Surgery a candidate must complete 36 credit points of prescribed core units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery) a candidate must complete 48 credit points comprising:
7 Transitional provisions
Table of units of study: Refractive Surgery
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units |
|||
| OPSC5001 Ophthalmic Anatomy |
9 | A Undergraduate knowledge of basic human anatomy |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics |
9 | A Undergraduate knowledge of physics relating to light and optics |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5018 Refractive Surgery 1 |
6 | C OPSC5001 Ophthalmic Anatomy This unit will ONLY be offered in Semester 1 due to resource issues. |
Semester 1 |
| OPSC5019 Refractive Surgery 2 |
6 | P OPSC5018 This unit will ONLY be offered in Semester 2 due to resource issues |
Semester 2 |
| OPSC5020 Practical Refractive Surgery |
6 | P OPSC5018 C OPSC5019 This unit will ONLY be offered in Semester 2 Late Intake due to resource issues. |
Int November |
Dissertation units |
|||
| Master's candidates must enrol in 12 credit points of dissertation in addition to the 36 credit points of core units. These should be done either in one semester with Dissertation C or split over two semesters with both Dissertation A and Dissertation B. A candidate must be enrolled in order to submit the dissertation. If a candidate is not able to submit his/her thesis after enrolling in 12 credit points of dissertation units of study, he/she must re-enrol in a minimum of six credit points of dissertation units of study, with the concomitant financial liability, every semester until he/she submits. | |||
| OPSC5023 Dissertation Refractive Surgery A |
6 | P OPSC5018 and OPSC5019 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5024 Dissertation Refractive Surgery B |
6 | P OPSC5018 and OPSC5019 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| OPSC5025 Dissertation Refractive Surgery C |
12 | P OPSC5018 and OPSC5019 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Units of Study Descriptions for 2013
OPSC5001 Ophthalmic Anatomy
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Yves Kerdeaon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered online (3 hrs/wk) online tutorials (1hr/wk) self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk) wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is suggested that also 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3 hour examination at the end of the semester. Assumed knowledge: Undergraduate knowledge of basic human anatomy Assessment: 1x3000word assignment every 3wks (45%), online interaction (10%) and 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of anatomy of relevance to the practice of ophthalmology, in particular the eye, the visual pathways, the orbit and its contents including peri-orbital structures. They are also expected to have an understanding of the embryology, maturation and normal ageing changes of the human eye. They should also be familiar with the anatomy of the head and neck including neuro-anatomy, histology and the use of diagnostic imaging as it pertains to the visual system. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the normal anatomical organisation of the human eye, orbit and contents and head and neck in terms of cells, tissues, organs and systems, (2) describe the principal components of the human visual system and their function in detail and (3) describe how diagnostic imaging may be used in ophthalmic practice.
Textbooks
Prescribed: Wolff's Anatomy of the Eye and Orbit (8th ed). AJ Bron et al (eds) HK Lewis, London 1997; Clinical Anatomy of the Eye, R.S. Snell, M.A. Lemp, Blackwell Science (2nd ed.). Recommended: Histology of the Human Eye, M. Hogan, J. Alvarado, J. Wedell, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1971; Gray's Anatomy (38th ed.), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1989; Clinical Anatomy of the Eye, R.S. Snell, M.A. Lemp, Blackwell Science (2nd ed.),The Eye Basic Sciences in Practice (Chapters 1 and 2), J. Forrester et al, Saunders Co. Ltd., London 1996; The Human Nervous System, An Anatomical Viewpoint (5th ed.), M.L. Barr & J.A. Kiernan, Harper and Row, Philadelphia 1988.
OPSC5003 Ophthalmic Optics
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Con Petsoglou Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online/distance learning environment (total of 20hrs/wk) for 13 wks comprising: lectures delivered online (3 hrs/wk), online tutorials (1hr/wk), self directed learning and assignments (16hrs/wk), wk 14 for revision. In addition to time spent on assignments it is expected that the student will spend approximately 120 hours of private study over the course of the fourteen weeks. It is suggested that also 25 hours of study will be necessary to prepare for the 3hour examination at the end of the semester. Assumed knowledge: Undergraduate knowledge of physics relating to light and optics Assessment: 1x3000word assignment every 3wks (45%), online interaction (10%), and 1x3hr exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of optics of relevance to the practice of ophthalmology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the topics of Physical, Geometrical, Physiological and Instrument Optics. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the physical properties of light and lasers, (2) describe the geometrical principles of light and the laws governing lights interaction with materials and (3) describe the physiological optics of the human eye and how to test this.
Textbooks
Prescribed: Clinical Optics, AR Elkington & HJ Frank, Blackwell Science, 3rd Ed, 2000; Optics, Refraction and Contact Lenses, Basic and Clinical Science Course, American Academy Ophthalmology, 2003. Recommended: Optics MH Freeman, Butterworths-Heinemann Medical; 10th Ed, 1990, Optics for Clinicians M Rubin, Triad Publishing, 3rd Ed, 1993.
OPSC5018 Refractive Surgery 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Colin Chan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1.5hr online seminar/week, online lectures, fortnightly problem-based learning topics submitted by students, and online refractive surgery forum discussion Corequisites: OPSC5001 Ophthalmic Anatomy Assessment: 3x2000 wd written assignments (90%), and online discussion (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Note: This unit will ONLY be offered in Semester 1 due to resource issues.
This unit of study aims to provide candidates with the theoretical and practical foundations of the practise of refractive surgery (RS). Week 1 Overview of RS. Week 2 ocular and systemic diseases. Week 3 patient assessment and evaluation. Week 4 corneal imaging. Week 5 principles of Laser and technology. Week 6 principles and practice of astigmatic surgery. Week 7 principles and practice of PRK/LASEK. Week 8 principles and practice of LASIK. Week 9 principles and practice of PTK. Week 10 prevention and management of corneal refractive complications. Week 11 Keratoconus and intracorneal ring segments. Week 12 Optics and biomechanics of the eye following RS and Week 13 the economics of refractive surgery.
Textbooks
Azar, Dimitri L., Refractive Surgery, 2nd ed.
OPSC5019 Refractive Surgery 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Michael Lawless Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1.5hr online seminar/week, online lectures, fortnightly problem-based learning topics submitted by students, and online refractive surgery forum discussion Prerequisites: OPSC5018 Assessment: 3x2000wd written assignments (90%), and online discussion (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education
Note: This unit will ONLY be offered in Semester 2 due to resource issues
This unit of study aims to provide candidates with the theoretical and practical foundations of the practise of refractive surgery (RS). Week 1 Evidence based medicine as applied to RS. Week 2 Phakic intraocular lenses. Week 3 Refractive aspects of cataract surgery. Week 4 Ethics of RS. Week 5 Management of post-keratoplasty and traumatic ametropia. Week 6 Biometry calculations in RS. Week 7 Combined corneal and lens surgery. Week 8 Surgical correction of presbyopia. Week 9 Management of adverse events in lens-based RS. Week 10 Complex case histories. Week 11 Prevention and management of corneal ectasia. Week 12 Laser systems. Week 13 Medico-legal aspects of RS
Textbooks
Azar, Dimitri L., Refractive Surgery, 2nd ed.
OPSC5020 Practical Refractive Surgery
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr John Males Session: Int November Classes: Block 5 days/wk for 2 weeks Prerequisites: OPSC5018 Corequisites: OPSC5019 Assessment: Online surgical logbook (40%), and observed structured clinical exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
Note: This unit will ONLY be offered in Semester 2 Late Intake due to resource issues.
This unit of study aims to provide candidates with the practical experience and knowledge necessary to assess and perform refractive surgery. This is a mentor-based programme with candidates supervised in a number of clinical and laboratory environments. Emphasis is on pre-operative investigation, surgical skill and post-operative management. Candidates will be required to observe and perform intra- and extra-ocular surgical techniques relevant to refractive surgery.
Candidates will rotate through a number of refractive surgical practices and observe refractive surgery taking place utilizing a number of refractive surgical systems. Further candidates will have to attend a number of wet lab sessions designed for the performing of refractive surgical techniques on artificial, animal or human eyes.
A logbook of observed and performed surgeries will be kept and used for assessment.
Surgical mentors will be allocated and provide the appropriate training in specific refractive operations.
Candidates will rotate through a number of refractive surgical practices and observe refractive surgery taking place utilizing a number of refractive surgical systems. Further candidates will have to attend a number of wet lab sessions designed for the performing of refractive surgical techniques on artificial, animal or human eyes.
A logbook of observed and performed surgeries will be kept and used for assessment.
Surgical mentors will be allocated and provide the appropriate training in specific refractive operations.
Textbooks
Azar, Dimitri L., Refractive Surgery, 2nd ed.
OPSC5023 Dissertation Refractive Surgery A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Gerard Sutton Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to meet with their supervisor at least every three weeks to discuss the progress and implementation of their project. Prerequisites: OPSC5018 and OPSC5019 Assessment: Dissertation submitted after completion of 12 CP of dissertation units i.e. OPSC5023 and OPSC5024, to be reviewed by two independent assessors. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical and practical foundations of the practice of refractive surgery and that in their project they have integrated this knowledge with prior learning and experience. The dissertation may take one of two forms: a written output (report or formal academic composition) on work performed during the candidature from a supervised student project that contains between 8,000-20,000 words or a scientific paper that arises from a supervised student's project and has been submitted to a peer review journal for publication. The scientific paper however still needs to be embedded in a treatise with an expanded introduction and literature review as well as an expanded conclusion/discussion section. Additional methods and results not presented in the scientific paper should also be included. On completion of the dissertation units, the successful student will be able to: (1) Undertake a medical/scientific project and follow it to its completion. (2) Work constructively under the supervision of an ophthalmic supervisor. (3) Display scientific thinking and apply this to refractive surgery. (4) Attempt to publish their dissertation or learn how to publish their work.
OPSC5024 Dissertation Refractive Surgery B
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Gerard Sutton Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to meet with their supervisor at least every three weeks to discuss the progress and implementation of their project. Prerequisites: OPSC5018 and OPSC5019 Assessment: Dissertation submitted after completion of 12 CP of dissertation units i.e. OPSC5023 and OPSC5024, to be reviewed by two independent assessors Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical and practical foundations of the practice of refractive surgery and that in their project they have integrated this knowledge with prior learning and experience. The dissertation may take one of two forms: a written output (report or formal academic composition) on work performed during the candidature from a supervised student project that contains between 8,000-20,000 words or a scientific paper that arises from a supervised student's project and has been submitted to a peer review journal for publication. The scientific paper however still needs to be embedded in a treatise with an expanded introduction and literature review as well as an expanded conclusion/discussion section. Additional methods and results not presented in the scientific paper should also be included. On completion of the dissertation units, the successful student will be able to: (1) Undertake a medical/scientific project and follow it to its completion. (2) Work constructively under the supervision of an ophthalmic supervisor. (3) Display scientific thinking and apply this to refractive surgery. (4) Attempt to publish their dissertation or learn how to publish their work.
OPSC5025 Dissertation Refractive Surgery C
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Gerard Sutton Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to meet with their supervisor at least every three weeks to discuss the progress and implementation of their project. Prerequisites: OPSC5018 and OPSC5019 Assessment: Dissertation to be reviewed by two independent assessors. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Successful candidates will demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical and practical foundations of the practice of refractive surgery and that in their project they have integrated this knowledge with prior learning and experience. The dissertation may take on of two forms: a written output (report or formal academic composition) on work performed during the candidature from a supervised student project that contains between 8,000-20,000 words or a scientific paper that arises from a supervised student's project and has been submitted to a peer review journal for publication. The scientific paper however still needs to be embedded in a treatise with an expanded introduction and literature review as well as an expanded conclusion/discussion section. Additional methods and results not presented in the scientific paper should also be included. On completion of this unit of study, the successful student will be able to: (1) Undertake a medical/scientific project and follow it to its completion. (2) Work constructively under the supervision of an ophthalmic supervisor. (3) Display scientific thinking and apply this to refractive surgery. (4) Attempt to publish their dissertation or learn how to publish their work.