Optometry

Level 1.1

English Language Express (IS Module)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

General Anatomy & Physiology

This module provides students with foundational knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the major human body systems. Students will learn the biochemistry processes in normal human physiology. The interrelationships of the body systems and how they maintain homeostasis are examined.

Geometrical & Physical Optics

This module provides students with the knowledge of the behaviour of light and its interaction with matters. It also covers the optics of lenses, lens systems and aberrations, as well as photometry and laser.

Innovation Made Possible (IS Module)

Underpinned by the Design Thinking framework, Innovation Made Possible aims to build creative confidence in you. The module will sensitise you to the process of user-centric problem solving and allow you to discover and hone your innate ability to think creatively, come up with innovations to tackle problems and explore new ideas for your studies and beyond.

Introduction to Data Analytics with Excel

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of data analytics concepts and applications. Students will learn fundamental data analytics concepts, how to analyse data using Microsoft Excel and present information to provide insights for an informed decision making.

Ocular Anatomy & Physiology

This module covers, in detail, the anatomy of the eye and its orbit. The anatomical relationships of the orbital contents including the extra-ocular muscles, orbital nerves, orbital blood vessels and ocular adnexa are described. Physiology and biochemistry of the principal constituents of the eye, including the cornea, crystalline lens, aqueous humour, vitreous humour, retina, ciliary apparatus and tear film are also covered.

Level 1.2

Communication Essentials (IS Module)

Communication Essentials aims to develop written and spoken communicative competence in you by exposing you to a range of contemporary issues from different disciplinary perspectives. You will learn to carry out research, read critically, write effectively and express yourself confidently while developing a global view, an awareness of cultural intelligence and of self in relation to society.

General Pathology & Diseases

This module equips students with knowledge of basic pathology which includes cell and tissue damage, genetic diseases, vascular disorders, tumours, inflammations, and infections with emphasis on microbiology. Students will learn common systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia which can cause complications in the eye.

Health & Wellness (IS Module)

This module provides you with an opportunity to be active, keep fit and stay healthy through basic sports skill acquisition. It also aims to enhance your social and psychological well-being through a variety of sports electives while taking you through the process of character development, choice and decision making.

Ocular Health Assessment & Disease Management 1

This module covers clinical optometric techniques such as slit-lamp bio-microscopy and keratometry in examining the anterior segment of the eyes. Students will learn to detect and manage anterior eye diseases based on assessment and interpretation with these techniques.

Ophthalmic Optics & Dispensing

This module equips students with knowledge of the types, materials, physical and optical properties of single vision lenses and spectacle frames available in the industry. Students will also be taught basic skills such as hand neutralisation, pupillary distance measurement, focimetry and related measurements in fitting lenses into frames. Principles and processes of lens coating and basic single vision ophthalmic lens glazing will also be covered.

Refraction

This module focuses on clinical techniques of objective and subjective refraction using trial lenses on trial frame as well as with the phoropter. It also includes the clinical assessment of vision and visual acuity.

Course Curriculum (Year 1)

*This module is only offered to students who are weaker in the English Language.

Level 2.1

Contact Lens & Fitting 1

This module covers the designs, materials, and the care and maintenance of soft contact lenses that are available in the market. Students will learn the techniques of verification, insertion, removal, and fit assessment of soft contact lenses. This module will also cover the detection, prevention, and management of soft contact lens related complications.

Ocular Health Assessment & Disease Management 2

This module covers the clinical optometric techniques direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and emphasizes the detection and management of the posterior eye diseases, as well as ocular tumours and systemic diseases of the eye. In addition, students will be equipped with the knowledge of ocular trauma and to differentiate between ocular emergencies and non- emergencies for referrals.

Ophthalmic Dispensing & Prescribing

This module equips students with the knowledge of prescribing and dispensing ophthalmic eyewear. Students will learn the different types of progressive and bifocal lens designs, and advanced refraction procedures to prescribe appropriate ophthalmic eyewear. Students will also learn the applications and principles of various specialty ophthalmic lenses and frame designs. The techniques of glazing and fitting of ophthalmic lenses, proper ophthalmic dispensing procedures, and troubleshooting will be covered in this module.

Visual Perception & Instrumentation

This module studies the eye and the visual pathway as a system to perceive vision and includes the topics of visual resolution, spatial, motion, depth, and colour perception, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, and entoptic phenomena. It also covers the principles of psychophysical methods in studying the visual system. Students will learn to use various instruments to assess and interpret colour vision, visual fields, and contrast sensitivity.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective (IS Module)

This module will expose you to a wide range of global issues viewed and discussed in the context of Singapore as a nation state. You will be guided to critically examine current affairs from various perspectives and develop an appreciation of the dynamism behind real world problems and possible solutions. The intent of this module is to develop thinking students with well-considered perspectives who are able to articulate reasonable opinions, make thoughtful decisions and informed choices as active citizens in society. You will also be exposed to a multidisciplinary approach in the mitigation of global challenges and thus be adequately prepared to handle the Year 3 IS interdisciplinary project – Project ID.

Level 2.2

Binocular & Paediatric Vision

This module teaches the fundamental concepts of vision development and binocular vision. It covers the assessment, diagnosis and management of paediatric eye conditions and binocular vision anomalies.

Biostatistics & Research Methods

This module starts with basic statistics and moves on to include probability and statistical inference. Students will also learn the basic processes and principles applied in research, as well as how to conduct literature reviews.

Communication in Optometric Practice

This module equips students with effective communication skills that include listening and responding, non-verbal communication, rapport building with patients, patient education, as well as interdisciplinary interactions and communications. Students can practice their interpersonal, collaborative, and professional communication skills during attachments and internship.

Contact Lens & Fitting 2

This module covers the designs, materials, and the care and maintenance for rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses that are available in the market. Students will learn the techniques of verification, insertion, removal, and fit assessment of RGP contact lenses, and the detection, prevention, and management of RGP contact lens related complications. The effects of optical differences between contact lenses and spectacles will also be covered.

General Clinical Practice 1

Students will experience hands-on clinical practice in patient examination, case analysis, prescribing and dispensing optical aids.

Course Curriculum (Year 2)

Level 3.1

Contact Lens Clinical Practice 1

This module provides hands-on clinical practice for prescribing contact lenses, including preliminary assessment, contact lens fitting, contact lens delivery and aftercare.

General Clinical Practice 2

Students will experience hands-on clinical practice in patient examination, case analysis, prescribing treatment and dispensing. The module also covers topics related to various refractive surgeries.

4-Month Internship

Students will intern at establishments with optometric practice, where they get experience in dealing with patients requiring eye examinations and attending to the optometry needs of these patients in a realistic working environment. Students will learn about the operations of an optical shop, a hospital organisation, as well as interact with their supervisor and colleagues.

Level 3.2

Contact Lens Clinical Practice 2

This module continues to provide students with hands-on clinical practice on the fitting of contact lens and contact lens patient management with the introduction of topics like keratoconus, orthokeratology and post-refractive surgery.

General Clinical Practice 3

This module continues the training of students in the clinical practice of patient examination, case analysis, and management. This module will also cover topics on ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, visual impairment, and the prescribing and management of challenging cases. Students will be introduced to low vision to understand the requirements of referral for low vision assessment and rehabilitation.

Healthcare Career & Professional Preparation (Optometry)

The module is delivered over three years, and prepares students for the optometry course with the end in mind, through guided reflection of their personal characteristics, and producing an overall game plan for their future education and career goals. It also aims to deepen students’ commitment to the optometry and optical industry. Students will be equipped with the skills necessary to seek and secure work.

Ophthalmic Pharmacology

Students will learn the fundamental principles of pharmacology and how these are relevant in the prevention and treatment of eye conditions and diseases.

Optometric Practice Management & Ethics

This module covers the basic concepts in operations, inventory control, marketing, people and service management, and finance in an optometry retail outlet. Students will learn about sales and marketing, how to develop a business plan, as well as basic accounting. This module also covers the legal and ethical responsibilities of optometrists as well as other eye care professionals during practice.

Project ID: Connecting the Dots (IS Module)

Project ID aims to prepare you for an increasingly globalised and interconnected world where problems are multi-faceted and require interdisciplinary research and collaboration to solve. Using a project-based learning approach, you will have the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team with students from across the polytechnic to investigate and propose comprehensive recommendations for a pressing real-world problem affecting Singapore. You will be guided to step out of your disciplinary silos and effectively communicate and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds. Ultimately, the module seeks to develop independent learning skills and the ability to synthesize diverse strands of knowledge to solve a complex problem, while impressing on you the importance of being a responsible global citizen.

Course Curriculum (Year 3)