Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Explain the optical process of selecting corrective lenses for all types of refractive errors.

2. Explain the selection of corrective lenses from test results.

3. Interpret written prescriptions for ophthalmic lenses for visual correction.

4. Apply the decision process of optics to work in an optical setting.

5. Apply the understanding of optical principles to assist low vision patients in a clinical setting.  

6. Apply an understanding of visual perception when assessing patients with visual problems.

7. Use knowledge of optic principles to skillfully perform slit lamp biomicroscopy, retinoscopy and lensometry.

8. Use approved methods to measure a patient’s pupillary distance.

The class will be presented by means of lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts and  demonstrations. There will be comprehensive lab work requiring demonstrated competency to receive a  satisfactory grade. Guest speakers and field trips may be utilized by the instructor as a means of assisting  the student in mastering course goals and objectives. 

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate student progress  and the criteria for assigning a course grade. The methods may include one or more of the following  tools: examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, research papers, laboratory modules and student  participation. 

LENSOMETRY

•  Neutralize and record spectacle lenses using automated and manual lens meters 

• Describe spectacle prescription components 

• Clean lenses and prisms 

• Demonstrate correct eyepiece setting procedure

• Measure spherical and toric lenses and multifocal additions

• Read power of toric lens in minus and plus cylinder form

• Write the neutralized power of toric lenses readings in plus and minus cylinder forms

LOW VISION

• Define low vision 

• Measure visual acuity of a low vision patient 

• Calculate approximate magnification needed to read a target acuity level 

•  Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different low vision devices 

•  Instruct patient in uses of low vision devices (optical and non-optical) 

SPECTACLE SKILLS

• Explain the different lens materials and their advantages and disadvantages 

• Explain single vision lenses 

•  Explain bifocals and progressive add lenses 

• Explain requirements for safety lenses 

• Counsel patients regarding frame selection and care of glasses 

• Perform proper spectacle fitting 

• Measure interpupillary distance 

CLINICAL OPTICS, REFRACTION, RETINOSCOPY AND REFINEMENT

• Identify refractive errors: hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia 

• Describe accommodation and its relation to age 

• Describe the difference between cycloplegic and manifest refraction 

• Explain the difference between subjective and objective refractometry 

• Measure refractive error with an automated refractor 

• Perform and record retinoscopy 

• Refine refractive error (sphere and cylinder) using phoropter or trial lenses in +/- cylinder 

• Use refractometry techniques: fogging, duo chrome, binocular balance 

• Measure vertex distance 

• Perform and record transposition 

• Calculate and record spherical equivalence 

• Determine near add (bifocal, trifocals, multifocal) 

PRISM AND STRABISMUS

• Describe how prisms deviate images and can either correct or cause diplopia

• Effect of prisms on light

• Calculate prism using Prentice’s rule

• Use prism to measure and redirect the corneal reflex