Synopsis:

This course has been based in part on the United Kingdom Royal College of Nursing Competency Framework for Ophthalmic Nursing. It has been developed by the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Queensland Inc. in conjunction with the Queensland University of Technology.

The aim of this unit is to provide students with contemporary knowledge and skills to meet the health needs of people with a variety of disorders of the eye. Knowledge and skills developed during this unit will enable the student to provide high quality care in their practice as an ophthalmic nurse and the ability to think critically when planning and providing ophthalmic care.

The course is comprised of nine modules:

• Overview: Role of the nurse in ophthalmology
• Module 1: Ocular anatomy and physiology
• Module 2: Optics and care of the patient with an error of refraction
• Module 3: Role of the ophthalmic nurse as educator
• Module 4: Ophthalmic pharmacology, patient safety and nursing responsibilities
• Module 5: Ophthalmic assessment of the patient
• Module 6: Care of the patient presenting with acute problems
• Module 7: The lens and care of the patient with cataract
• Module 8: The angle, aqueous and care of the patient with glaucoma
• Module 9: The retina, vitreous and care of the patient with a condition of the retina

After successful completion of this unit, participants will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology and optics to care decisions for patients in the ophthalmic setting
2. Discuss common ocular disease processes, including macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease
3. Use critical thinking to plan individualised care for a variety of patients with ophthalmic conditions
4. Utilise principles of education to promote health, prevent disease and support patient autonomy in the ophthalmic setting
5. Apply principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics relating to ophthalmic practice
6. Explain the applications and associated safety considerations of specific treatments to ophthalmic patients
7. Critically analyse a variety of sources including research, practice literature and policy documents in order to improve ophthalmic nursing practice

Who should enrol?

Registered nurses enrolled in this subject should have at least 3 months experience working with patients requiring ophthalmic care. Additionally students should be employed at least part time in ophthalmic practice. This criterion enables the student to submit a clinical portfolio as part of the overall assessment of the unit.

How is the course delivered?

This course is conducted in external mode. A course outline, study guide and readings in CD format will be posted to participants. There is no requirement to attend the University throughout the duration of the course.

Recognition of the Course

Those who successfully complete the modules and assessment for the course will receive a QUT endorsed Certificate of Completion. This Continuing Professional Education course will be credited towards post graduate courses in the QUT School of Nursing.

What will it cost?

The complete course costs $1020 Additional costs:

There is a set text book for the course which is: Marsden, J. (2006) Ophthalmic Care, Wiley, West Sussex Students will be required to purchase this text. Cost $104.50 (plus postage and handling). Students will be able to purchase the required text through the QUT Bookstore. All other course readings are provided on CD Rom, cost of which is included in the registration.

Who is the Co-ordinator?

Amanda Wylie Amanda Wylie has 15 years experience in ophthalmic nursing at various levels and in a wide range of practice settings. She is currently working in a clinical position in ophthalmology. Amanda has had extensive involvement in the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Queensland Inc (AONAQ) and has been a member of that organisation since 1994, serving on the Executive Committee for 12 of those years. She is currently involved in contributing to the development of the Competency Framework for Ophthalmic Nurses in Australia. Amanda has a Masters in Nursing (Health Services) and Post Graduate Certificate in Ophthalmic Nursing and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing Australia. Contact details: amandawylie@iprimus.com.au

For FULL course outline and Frequently Asked Questions please visit http://www.hlth.qut.edu.au/nrs/courses/cpe

Registration:

Upon registration, an invoice will automatically be sent to your email address.

Registration can be paid for by credit card at the time of registration, cheque or EFT/Direct Debit.

Fee-Help and HECS are not available for Continuing Professional Education Courses.

Registration Closed

1. Register via the online registration link above (have your credit card ready if you are paying online).

2. A registration email will automatically be sent back (to the email address nominated on the online registration form).

Cancellation:

Registration cancellations will not be accepted unless made in writing to the Course Manager, either by mail, facsimile or email (carley.chapman@qut.edu.au).

Cancellations received prior to COB 11July 2008 will be refunded less $100 (please note if you have not paid you will still be invoiced for this amount). No registration refunds will be made after COB 11 July 2008. Cancellations received after COB 11 July 2008 will be charged the full fee (even if payment has not already been received).

QUT reserves the right to cancel the course should circumstances warrant, such as low registrations. In such event you will be advised without delay and a full refund of fees will be paid. QUT is not responsible for any expenses you may have incurred if the course is cancelled.

Contact Information:

For further information regarding course content, assessment or extensions, please contact:

Dr Yvonne Osborne, email: y.osborne@qut.edu.au or phone 07 3138 3833.

Amanda Wylie, email: amandawylie@iprimus.com.au or phone 0413 366 224

For further queries about registration or payment for the course, please contact Carley Chapman in the Office of Continuing Professional Education by phoning:+ 61 7 3138 9350 or emailing: carley.chapman@qut.edu.au

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