This course considers various functional aspects of the human eye. Topics include: ametropia; the physiology of the eyelids; lacrimal apparatus; cornea and lens; ocular fluid dynamics; control of intraocular pressure; ocular circulation; neuromuscular mechanisms of accommodation and papillary function; and single unit studies of the retinal, lateral geniculate body and striate cortex. Laboratory experiments are used to illustrate basic ocular physiological concepts. (4 credits)

This course presents the theory and mathematical concepts of optical systems. Discussion focuses upon the physical characteristics of electronmagnetic radiation and on the portion of electronmagnetic radiation designated as visible light. Within the course the topics of interference, diffraction, disperson, polarization, laser and holography will be presented. Historical background, and significant achievements in the development of physical optics will be presented. (2 credits)

Studies of binocularity, including discussion of the horopter, stereopsis and fusion, rivalry and aniseikonia are presented. The physiology of the extraocular muscles and their relationships to strabismus is also discussed. Laboratory sessions are designed to simplify basic concepts of binocular vision and ocular motility including their clinical evaluation. (5 credits)  

This course presents the physiological and psychological basis of color vision and discusses color specification systems, color mixing, color deficiencies and color vision testing. The course then covers the development of visual pathways and functions. Particular emphasis is placed on the effect of abnormal visual input to development. Both basic data and clinical implications are discussed. (4.5 credits)

This course integrates concepts of basic visual science in order to understand complex visual processes. Topics include the constancy of our visual processes, our visual world, size and distance perception, form perception, achromatic color perception and the perception of motion. Demonstrations will be used frequently to illustrate how the brain extracts and processes information. (2 credits)  

This course focuses on the training necessary to recognize and deal with psychological issues presented by patients. The course will also be concerned with student’s reactions to patients. (1.5 credits)  

This course presents the principles and practice of the science of pharmacology. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of basic pharmaco-dynamics and drug/patient related variables will be introduced followed by the pharmacology of the individual agents in each drug classification. Topics include autonomic nervous system agents, cardiovascular drugs, renal pharmacology, gastrointestinal drugs, and respiratory pharmacology. (4 credits)  

This course is a continuation of BHS 254.1 and will cover the systemic pharmacology of specific agents in each of the major drug classes, including: anti-inflammatory agents, chemotherapeutic agents, neuropharmacologic agents, anesthetics, hormones and hormone antagonists, and the pharmacology of pain. The course will also cover basic principles of toxicology and the toxicology of common poisons. Finally, this course will introduce the student to ocular pharmacodynamics and ocular pharmacokinetics. (4 credits)

This final course in the general and ocular pharmacology sequence presents the clinical pharmacology of the ocular diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Specific topics include: clinical pharmacokinetics of the eye, use of autonomic agents for the production of miosis, mydriasis, cyclopegia, local anesthetics, dyes, and over-the-counter preparations. The pharmacology and toxicology of the ocular anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective agents as well as drugs used in the treatment of glaucoma will be presented. The principles of drug administration, evaluation of the therapeutic response, and ocular and systemic adverse reactions will also be presented. (4 credits)

In current optometric practice, it is necessary for the clinician to be able to assess the patient’s vital signs and general physical condition. This course is a practicum of clinical tests designed to supplement the ocular diagnostic regimen. (2 credits)

3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

In this segment of the optometry sequence, the first during the second professional year, emphasis is placed on the assessment of binocular function and accommodation. This course continues to connect visual function with refractive error, but explores further the concept of visual function as it relates to visual efficiency. These points are emphasized through patient care observations. Elements of abnormal binocular and accommodative function will be introduced, to be elaborated upon in subsequent course work. (4 credits)

2.5 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course includes the topics of biomicroscopy/anterior segment evaluation, tonometry, gonioscopy, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, and Goldmann three-mirror fundus evaluation. These elements comprise the essential components of an ocular health evaluation. Further discussion in lectures and laboratories completes the integration of clinical skills into a complete primary eye examination, emphasized through additional patient care observations. (3.5 credits)

The previous courses in the Optometry sequence focused upon acquiring skills necessary to perform a comprehensive, problem oriented eye exam. This concluding course in the series is presented in a seminar fashion, concentrating on integration and improvement of previously learned skills. Case assessment and management concepts are introduced and record-keeping and documentation issues are presented. The lecture portion of the course will focus on expansion and integration of prior learned techniques and management skills primarily in the case presentation format. The laboratory portion of this course will allow students to continue to integrate and improve their technical examination skills. This synthesis course is designed to prepare the students for entry to patient care and continues in observations of patient care. Direct clinical examinations of patients begin during the summer quarter following this course.

This course introduces the common problems that cause patients to have comfort problems associated with visual reading and other visual tasks at near. Problem solving in the context of test selection will be emphasized in anticipation of each students first patient care experience.

The series of courses dealing with ocular disease, of which this is the first, explore the anatomical, physiological, histological and pathological bases of the disease process. Topics covered in this course include diseases and abnormalities of the lids, dystrophies and degeneration of the cornea; scleritis and episcleritis; diseases of the lens with particular emphasis on cataracts. (2 credits)

This course covers the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment aspects of the glaucoma’s. In addition, the topics of visual fields and automated perimetry are included. All forms of glaucoma are covered including Primary, Secondary, and Developmental. Emphasis is placed on the decision making process in initiating treatment for primary open angle glaucoma. Glaucoma medications are discussed from a clinical perspective. Laser and surgical approaches are also covered. The principles of visual fields and automated perimetry are reviewed with a concentration on the interpretation and analysis of results. The application of automated perimetry in the management of glaucoma is emphasized. (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to pathogenic microbiology in preparation for clinical practice and national boards. The course reviews the major pathogens of human disease; the processes by which these pathogens grow, reproduce, and cause disease; and how these pathogens are identified. (1 credit)

In the second course in this series concepts regarding the correction of anisometropias, contact lens optics, and low vision optics are included in this segment of the course sequence. In addition, protection from radiation injury, lens reflection, and specialty lenses are discussed. The laboratory provides a setting for practical application of procedures and techniques readily encountered in patient care. (4 credits)