- A Scan theory and practice in laser inferometry, contact ultrasound and immersion ultrasound techniques
- Keratometry theory and practice in manual and automated techniques
- Interpretation and clinical application of A Scan results
- Understanding of formulae and choice of IOL for each patient
Practice with a range of instrumentation is undertaken both on fellow participants and patients. This course is designed for Orthoptists with limited or no experience of A Scans who want to learn how to achieve the best possible Cat/IOL results.
Course Dates
28 May 2005 | Mathew Allison | Melbourne
Module 2: Orthoptics Refresher
This course is an opportunity for participants to regain skills and confidence in ocular motility assessment and management. The focus of the day is "case" based. Participants assess a range of concomitant and incomitant strabismus cases. The test results, diagnosis and management of each case are considered in group discussion.
Participants undertaking this refresher course practice a wide range of orthoptic clinical skills, review theoretical concepts and consider the management of orthoptic conditions. During the day there is also be the opportunity for individual concerns to be addressed.
The module is designed for Orthoptists wanting to refresh their skills and understanding of ocular motility theory and practice.
Course Dates
29 May 2005 | Robyn Wallace | Melbourne
Module 3: Refraction Fundamentals
In this module, participants are given the opportunity to learn (from basic to consolidation levels) to undertake both subjective and objective refraction (retinoscopy).
The course includes:
- Principles of objective and subjective refraction
- Retinoscopy and subjective refraction procedures
- Use of refraction aids; Jackson cross cylinder and duochrome techniques
- Recording of subjective and retinoscopy results
- Optical management of refractive errors and presbyopia
- Identification and measurement of mulitfocal lenses
A significant part of the day is devoted to the supervised practice of subjective refraction and retinoscopy on fellow participants and patients. Participants are sent preliminary reading and a short online activity to complete as an introduction to refraction. This course is suitable for those with little or no experience of refraction.
Course Dates
6 May 2007 | Assoc Prof Zoran Georgievski, Dr Nathan Clunas, Ralph Clark | Melbourne
Module 4: Ophthalmic Day Surgery Practice
This module addresses the issues and knowledge relevant to Orthoptists practicing as surgical assistants for minor and commonly seen day surgical procedures. This course also reviews ocular emergencies and the first aid management of these cases.
This interactive course will include theory, practice and discussion of:
- Personal protective equipment and its use
- Asepsis and infection control techniques
- Sterilisation and storage of theatre equipment
- Handling and care of ophthalmic instruments
- The role of the surgical assistant in minor, ocularplastic and cataract cases
- Day surgery guidelines and the Day Surgery Act
- Ocular emergencies and the first aid management of these cases
This course is designed for Orthoptists considering working in the role of ophthalmic surgical assistant. It is also beneficial for Orthoptists wanting to review their current practices and and/or refresh their knowledge of sterilization, asepsis and infection control.
Course Dates
7 May 2006 | Michelle Johnson, Dr Weng Sehu | Melbourne
Module 5: Anterior Segment Biomicroscopy - Slit Lamp Examination & Gonioscopy
This module provides orthoptists with the opportunity to learn to assess the cornea, iris, lens, anterior chamber and anterior vitreous with the slit lamp and gonioscope.
The course includes:
- Principles of anterior segment examination
- Examinations of anterior segment (including of the eyelids, conjunctiva,cornea, ant chamber, uvea, lens, anterior vitreous) using the slit lamp
- Examination of anterior chamber using gonioscopy
- Pearls in interpreting findings
- Recording of results
This upskill modules is suitable for those with little or no experience of anterior segment examination or for orthoptists seeking to consolidate skills. A significant part of the course is be devoted to supervised practice on fellow participants. At the end of the module case based examples are presented for further discussion and learning opportunity.
Course Dates
6 October 2007 | Ignatios Koukouras | Melbourne
3 May 2008 | Dr Nathan Clunas, Ignatios Koukouras | Sydney
Module 6: Posterior Segment Examination - Ophthalmoscopy / Fundus Examination
In this module, participants have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in viewing and assessing the fundus from the posterior pole to the periphery.
The course includes:
- Principles of posterior segment examination
- Red reflex procedures
- Examination of posterior segment examination (including fundus and disc) using the slit lamp, ophthalmoscope (direct and indirect) and photography
- The use of lenses in posterior segment examination
- Pearls in interpreting findings
- Recording of results
This Upskill module is suitable for those with little or no experience in posterior segment examination or for orthoptists seeking to consolidate skills. A significant part of the course is devoted to supervised practice on fellow participants. Case based examples are also presented for further discussion and learning opportunity.
Course Dates
6 October 2007 | Ignatios Koukouras | Melbourne
3 May 2008 | Ignatios Koukouras | Sydney
Module 7: Glaucoma Monitoring
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of eye disease in Australia. Recent advances in imaging has seen the HRT, GDx and OCT play a greater role in the investigation and management of glaucoma. This module will provide orthoptists with the opportunity to learn to assess the optic nerve head and the retinal nerve fiber layer using imaging technology and indirect ophthalmoscopy.
The course will include the acquisition of skills in:
- Examination of the optic nerve head
- Interpretation of GDx, HRT and OCT outputs
- Operation of the GDx, HRT and OCT instruments
- Slit Lamp Indirect OphthalmoscopyTypes of glaucoma and the role of gonioscopy
- Topical medications for glaucoma
Course Structure
This Upskill module is suitable for those with little or no experience in glaucoma or for orthoptists seeking to consolidate skills. A significant part of the Upskill will be devoted to learning the skill of examining the optic nerve head and interpreting imaging outputs. It will include lectures on each topic followed by a practical component with the opportunity for hands on experience with the GDx, HRT, OCT and Slit Lamp. The practical component will include both learning the technical skill of assessment and the interpretation of clinical findings. At the end case based examples will be presented for further discussion and learning opportunity.
Course Dates
19 July 2010 - Sydney 
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