OPT014: Management of Tear Film Disorders
This module is not just about dry eye, it aims to provide you with the opportunity to enhance your skills in the assessment and management of tear film disorders in your practice at an advanced level.
As well as theoretical learning, you will gain hands-on experience using a variety of tear film and ocular surface assessment techniques that you can immediately adopt in your clinical practice. You will also explore a variety of therapeutic products for the most appropriate and effective management of tear film disorders.
| Start date | March |
|---|---|
| Duration | 25 contact hours over one academic term |
| Credits | 10 credits - CET points available |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Module tutors | Heiko Pult (Leader) |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £670 - Home students £1250 - International students |
| Module code | OPT014 |
Additional information: This module complements OPT004, OPT018 and OPT019.
There are CET points available on completion of applicable elements of the module.
There will be two practical training days that require attendance in Cardiff. These will usually be held in late May or June.
On completion of the module you should be able to:
- Evaluate and apply modern key concepts of the management of tear film disorders and be able to apply them to challenges within their environment and practice
- Present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision-making in practical assessments
- Assess the signs and symptoms of tear film disorders to make a differential diagnosis and to rank options for management
- Assess the signs and symptoms of tear film disorders to make a differential diagnosis and to rank options for management
- Problem solve and develop solutions/management plans for complex cases based on evidence and sound professional and clinical judgment
- Effectively reflect on and evaluate learning
This module is taught via lectures (Powerpoint with audio), delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied. There is an introductory webinar and you will also attend tutorials, workshops and case discussions over two consecutive days.
Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will also provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and their peers.
Written Coursework (50%): You will be required to submit one piece of written coursework
Practical Assessment (50%): You will sit an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Structure and composition of the tear film
- The prevalence of dry eye and related conditions
- Aetiology of tear film disorders
- The causes and management of epiphora
- Methods to assess the tear film
- Patient symptom questionnaires
- Meibomian gland dysfunction and other common lid disorders
- Blepharitis and the tear film/ocular surface
- Contact lens discomfort and drying
- History concerning tear film disorders
- Differential diagnosis of tear film disorders
- Management of a patient concerning a diagnosed tear film disorders
Academic skills
- Collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
- Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
- Interpret data
Subject-specific skills
- Advancing own knowledge and understanding to a higher level
- The enhancement of clinical examination techniques
- To develop practical skills to assess and manage people with tear film disorders
- Appropriate management plans for dry eye, watery eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction
Generic skills
- Manage projects and time
- Work independently
- Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
- Problem solve
