Ophthalmic Science

Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science

Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)

Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science)

Overview

These courses provide graduates with the core knowledge and understanding of the basic ophthalmic sciences. This gives them the grounding required to undertake specialist ophthalmology training or a career in vision science.

Theoretical units in ophthalmic anatomy, physiology and optics are delivered online and all students attend a face to face intensive practical course. Students undertaking the master's programme also complete a supervised research project in the field of ophthalmology.

The Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) programme is open to students with a medical degree. Those without a medical degree should apply for the Master of Science in Medicine (Ophthalmic Science).

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

In addition to the basic ophthalmic science degree a sub-speciality stream is also offered:

• Oculoplastic surgery

The specialist stream in surgery provides a theoretical and practical qualification for the practice 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 equips postgraduate students with the foundations for lifelong clinical development. The oculoplastic surgery stream enhances clinical and theoretical knowledge in oculoplastic surgery to complement a candidate's clinical or fellowship experience.

This stream is not offered in 2020.

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.

Further information

Ophthalmic Science

The Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science involves three core units of study taught via online and an intensive face to face practical unit. The online units are:

• Ophthalmic Anatomy
• Ophthalmic Physiology
• Ophthalmic Optics

The practical unit is delivered by the Practical Ophthalmic Science unit which involves a two-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. Students can do the practical course at the Save Sight Institute in Sydney or at the University of Otago in Dunedin. The unit of study is offered during semester breaks. 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 10,000 to 20,000 words comprising one semester's work under the guidance of a suitable supervisor.

Oculoplastic Surgery Stream

The coursework component of the Oculoplastic Surgery stream is taught mainly via the internet through four core units of study:

• Ophthalmic Anatomy
• Ophthalmic Physiology
• Oculoplastic Surgery 1
• Oculoplastic Surgery 2

Students are also expected to undertake a one-week full-time practicum in Sydney as well as a clinical placement in an accredited oculoplastic surgical centre. The practical unit equips students with the skills required for patient selection, test interpretation, performing oculoplastic surgery and intra and post-operative complication management.

Internationally renowned lecturers are involved in the teaching of all the units of study.

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 10,000 to 20,000 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 7284/7599
Email:
Website: Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health