Ophthalmic Science

Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science

Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)

Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)

Overview

Ophthalmic Science aims to prevent blindness, promote eye health and rehabilitate those with a visual disability. These courses provide graduates with the core knowledge and understanding of basic ophthalmic science and thus enable them to practice ophthalmology at the highest possible standard.

The degree teaches ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, genetics, pathology, practical ophthalmic science and is completed with a treatise in the field of ophthalmology.

Units of study are delivered online, with the exception of the practical units of study, which are delivered face-to-face in block mode.

The Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) are essentially the same program but with different admission requirements.

Only medical graduates (ie those with an MBBS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine.

Students enrolled in the Master of Medicine and Master of Science in Medicine follow the same program of study, with the only difference being the title of the degree they are awarded on completion.

Medical graduates who are eligible to undertake a sub-specialty fellowship or are registered to practice ophthalmology in their state or country, may apply for admission to a stream.

Streams (not offered in 2017)

In addition to the basic ophthalmic science degree a subspeciality stream is also offered:

• Oculoplastic surgery

The specialist stream in Oculoplastic Surgery aims to provide a theoretical and practical qualification for the practise of oculoplastic surgery. It is open to local and international students who wish to gain a comprehensive and balanced perspective in the evolving field of oculoplastic surgery. The course covers basic sciences, evidence-based medicine and surgery as it applies to oculoplastic surgery. The course aims to equip postgraduate students with the foundations for lifelong clinical development.

Course outcomes

Graduate Diploma of Ophthalmic Science graduates will be able to:

• Understand the detailed anatomy, embryology and histology of the eye and visual system
• Understand the physiology of vision and visual processing
• Understand advanced optical principles and their relevance to the eye and optical instruments
• Apply the above basic sciences to ophthalmic, neuro-ophthalmic and developmental conditions
• Become competent in conducting and interpreting all tests of visual function including use of ophthalmic instruments
• Understand and critically evaluate the latest research literature and synthesise novel ideas.

In addition to the above, Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) and Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) students will be able to:

• Collaborate and conduct clinical or ophthalmic basic science research.

The oculoplastic surgery stream aims to enhance clinical and theoretical knowledge in oculoplastic surgery to complement a candidate’s clinical or fellowship experience.

Further information

Ophthalmic Science

The majority of the degree is in the form of distance learning. Practical Ophthalmic Science is a three-week block/intensive mode (3x5 days) to be taken at either the Save Sight Institute, Sydney, NSW or at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. The unit of study will be held during the semester break.

The Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science involves three core units of study taught via distance learning. These are Ophthalmic Anatomy, Ophthalmic Physiology, and Ophthalmic Optics. The coursework is completed by the Practical Ophthalmic Science unit which involves a three-week, full-time program with a combination of theoretical and practical learning to ensure students gain detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the practical aspects of ophthalmic science. Each candidate needs to achieve a total of 36 credit points to successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science.

Candidates wishing to progress to the Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) degree are able to do this by completing a treatise of 8000 to 40,000 words comprising one semester's work under the guidance of a suitable supervisor.

Oculoplastic Surgery Stream (not offered in 2017)

The coursework component of the Oculoplastic Surgery stream is taught mainly via the internet through four core units of study. Students are also expected to undertake a three-week full-time practicum in Sydney. Internationally renowned lecturers will be involved in the teaching of all the units of study.

The Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science (Oculoplastic Surgery) involves four units of study taught via distance learning. These are Ophthalmic Anatomy, Ophthalmic Physiology, Oculoplastic Surgery 1 and Oculoplastic Surgery 2. The coursework is completed by the Practical Oculoplastic Surgery unit which involves a three week, full-time clinical and wet lab placement to ensure the skills required for performing oculoplastic surgery are gained. The practical unit also assesses the candidates’ skills in patient selection, test interpretation, intra and post-operative complication management. Each candidate must achieve a total of 36 credit points including Oculoplastic Surgery 1 & 2 and Practical Oculoplastic Surgery to successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science (Oculoplastic Surgery).

Candidates wishing to progress to the Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science – Oculoplastic Surgery) degree are able to do this by completing a treatise of 8000 to 40,000 words comprising one semester's work under the guidance of a suitable supervisor.

Further enquiries

Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology & Eye Health
Phone: +61 2 9382 7284
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