Professional Optometry Degree Program (OD)

Courses

  • OPT–V 501 Integrated Optometry (2 cr.) This course sequence is offered over four semesters. Overall goal is to provide an integrated perspective of optometry in the paradigm of problem-based learning (PBL). The problems will be clinical cases (four-six cases per semester) which relate to the contents of courses taught contemporaneously in optics, biomedical, and ocular biology modules. Students will meet in small groups to discuss the problems guided by a faculty facilitator.
  • OPT–V 502 Integrated Optometry (2 cr.) This course sequence is offered over four semesters. Overall goal is to provide an integrated perspective of optometry in the paradigm of problem-based learning (PBL). The problems will be clinical cases (four-six cases per semester) which relate to the contents of courses taught contemporaneously in optics, biomedical, and ocular biology modules. Students will meet in small groups to discuss the problems guided by a faculty facilitator.
  • OPT–V 601 Integrated Optometry (2 cr.) This course sequence is offered over four semesters. Overall goal is to provide an integrated perspective of optometry in the paradigm of problem-based learning (PBL). The problems will be clinical cases (four-six cases per semester) which relate to the contents of courses taught contemporaneously in optics, biomedical, and ocular biology modules. Students will meet in small groups to discuss the problems guided by a faculty facilitator.
  • OPT–V 521 Optics I: Geometric and Visual Optics (4 cr.) P: Calculus, Physics P 202, and enrollment in the School of Optometry or permission of instructor. Fundamentals of geometric and physical optics. Optical analysis of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Components of the eyes and their optical properties. Clinical instrumentation for optical measurement and diagnosis of eyes.
  • OPT–V 523 Optics II: Geometric and Visual Optics (4 cr.) P: V 521 or permission of instructor. Continuation of application of the principles of geometrical and physical optics to the optical description and correction of the eye. Schematic optical models of the eye. Measurement of light. Higher-order aberrations and their impact on vision.
  • OPT–V 540 Ocular Biology I (4.5 cr.) Head and neck neuroanatomy related to the normal functioning of the eye and visual system. Detailed anatomy/histology and physiology of the eye and adnexa. Maintenance of optical transparency and intraocular pressure. Phototransduction, retinal physiology, and the basis for the electroretinogram and electro-oculogram.
  • OPT–V 542 Systems Approach to Biomedical Sciences I (SABS-I) (4.5 cr.) This is the first of a three-semester sequence which presents basic science information organized into specific organ systems. The first module will cover common processes: basic biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, fundamentals of physiology, pharmacology, immunology/infection, and oncology. Subsequent modules are organized to discuss the structure, function, pathology and therapy for each organ system. These modules include: cardiovascular/pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, neuromuscular-skeletal, endocrine, hematopoietic.
  • OPT–V 543 Systems Approach to Biomedical Sciences II (4 cr.) P: V 542. Continuation of SABS-I.
  • OPT–V 550 Clinical Sciences I (3 cr.) Introduction to clinical history and interview techniques, health history content, and medical record documentation as applied to the optometric setting; optometric and medical terminology, interview techniques for special populations, legal aspects of medical records, differential diagnosis of visual symptoms, introduction to physical assessment, slit lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy.
  • OPT–V 551 Clinical Sciences I: Motility and Refraction (3 cr.) P: V 550 Vision examination techniques and theory. Application of vision testing instrumentation with emphasis on preliminary test, motility and refractive tests. The study of the principles involved in the measurement, epidemiology, and treatment of ametropia, oculomotor imbalances, and associated conditions.
  • OPT–V 552 Clinical Sciences II: Anterior Segment Examination Techniques (2 cr.) P: V 550 Introduction to techniques used to examine and evaluate the health of the anterior segment of the eye, including use of the slit lamp biomicroscope, clinical measurement of intra-ocular pressure, foreign body evalution and removal. Other techniques will be introduced as appropriate.
  • OPT–V 560 Vision Science I (Perception) (3.5 cr.) Provides an understanding of how visual performance is determined by the underlying biology of the eye and the brain. Topics include visual pathway, neuroanatomy and physiology, with special emphasis on the roles of receptive and nureal sampling.
  • OPT–V 569 Selected Studies (elective, cr. arr. cr.) Items of current scientific interest. Consideration given to students' special interests. May include writing of abstracts and reviews of current vision science literature. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
  • OPT–V 631 Optics III: Ophthalmic and Advanced Clinical Optics (4 cr.) P: V 523 or permission of instructor. Design and application of ophthalmic spectacles and materials. Optics of low vision. Objective refraction, fundus imaging, optics of diseased eyes, wavefront-based treatments.
  • OPT–V 632 Optics IV: Optics of Ophthalmic and Contact Lenses (4 cr.) P: V 631 or permission of instructor. Continuation of design and application of ophthalmic spectacles and materials. Optics of contact lenses.
  • OPT–V 633 Contact Lenses (4 cr.) P: V 652. Theory and practice of contact lenses. General principles of lens materials, design, care; examination, selection, fitting; diagnosis and treatment of lens wear problems; introduction to specialty fitting. Practical laboratory on lens handling, modification, and fitting.
  • OPT–V 642 General Pharmacology (4 cr.) P: V 543. Basic principles of pharmacology. Mechanisms of action and side effects of: anti-inflammatory, automoic, cardiovascular, autocoid, respiratory, CNS, anti-diabetic, chemotherapeutic, immune system, and GI drugs.
  • OPT–V 644 Ocular Disease (3 cr.) P: V 543. A detailed description of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of ocular disease of the anterior segment.
  • OPT–V 646 Ocular Pharmacology (3 cr.) P: V 642. Medications used in treatment of ocular disease. Ocular effects of systemic medications.
  • OPT–V 652 Clinical Sciences III: Accommodation and Binocular Vision (3 cr.) P: V 551. Vision examination techniques and theory and application of vision testing instrumentation, with emphasis on accommodation and binocular vision; accommodation and vergence test findings as they relate to normal function, subjective symptoms, and performance; theory and case analysis of no-strabismic binocular vision problems.
  • OPT–V 653 Clinical Sciences III: Posterior Segment Examination Techniques (2 cr.) P: V551. Introduction to techniques used to examine and evaluate the health of the posterior segment of the eye, including direct ophthalmoscopy, monocular and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus biomicroscopy, three mirror gonioscopy, and posterior pole imaging techniques. Other techniques will be introduced as appropriate. 
  • OPT–V 654 Clinical Sciences IV (3.5 cr.) P: V 652. Advanced clinical analysis, procedures, and protocols for examinations of patients in the clinical setting, and comprehensive eye and vision examinations with scheduled patients; patient assessment and plan, patient communication; introduction to clinical ocular disease and protocols.
  • OPT–V 665 Vision Science II: Ocular Motility (2.5 cr.) Characteristics, control, and deficits of the five somatic eye-movement systems (convergence, saccadic version, pursuit version, fixation maintenance, vestibular reflex) and the autonomic systems subserving accommodation and pupillary diameter and reflexes.
  • OPT–V 666 Vision Science III Binocular Vision (4 cr.) P: V 560, V 652 & V 665. This course is intended to prepare the student to manage the common binocular vision anomalies encountered in primary care optometry. The course will examine the anatomical, physiological, psychophysical, and oculomotor characteristics of normal binocularity in humans. The course will then present diagnosis and management strategies for both non-strabismic and strabismic patients.
  • OPT–V 680 Introduction to Clinic (2.5 cr.) P: V 551, V 553, V 631, V 632, V 633, V 644, V 652, V 654, and a passing score on the Clinical Competency Examination in V 654. Introduction to clinical practice in visual analysis, optometric procedures, case conference; discussion and patient care for three 40-hour weeks during the summer, or the equivalent by arrangement.
  • OPT–V 701 Grand Rounds I (0.5 cr.) Presentation of cases.
  • OPT–V 702 Grand Rounds II (0.5 cr.) Presentation of cases.
  • OPT–V 745 Ocular Disease II (3 cr.) P: V 644. A detailed description of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of ocular disease of the posterior segment; neurological diseases affecting the eye; and application of ocular therapeutics.
  • OPT–V 746 Ocular Disease III (Neuro-Optometry) (2 cr.) P: V 745. A detailed discussion of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of neurological diseases affecting the eye.
  • OPT–V 748 Principles and Methods of Physical Assessment and Medicine (3.5 cr.) P: V 680. Physical examination with emphasis on HEENT and neurological screening, and their relationship to ocular health conditions and medical management; clinical chemistry and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests; criteria for referral to other providers, and emergency office procedures.
  • OPT–V 749 Ocular Disease IV (Applied Ocular Therapeutics) (3 cr.) P: V 745. The use, in clinical optometric practice, of legend drugs, lasers, and other therapeutic devices in the treatment and management of ocular disease.
  • OPT–V 751 Low Vision Rehabilitation (3 cr.) P: V 652 and V 654. Special examination procedures and patient management techniques for the visually impaired. Evaluations and prescriptions of optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices. Overview of rehabilitative services.
  • OPT–V 752 Advanced Contact Lens Topics I (2 cr.) P: V 633 Applications of contact lenses. This course covers the fitting and care of patients requiring specialty contact lenses and more difficult cases including, but not limited to, correcting astigmatism, tinted and cosmetic lenses, fitting the presbyopic patient, fitting infants and children, fitting keratoconic patients, fitting postsurgical and other distorted corneas; haptic lenses, cosmetic shells, and prosthetic eyes.
  • OPT–V 754 Optometric Profession (Public Health, Policy, Legal, History and Ethical Issues) (2 cr.) Introduction to the fundamentals and principles of public health; an overview of public and community health problems, planning, and care, with special attention to optometric and other visual aspects of variously identified segments of the community. Includes considerations of quality, efficiency, economics, and regulation of vision and health care delivery and utilization.
  • OPT–V 756 Clinical Assessment I (1 cr.) P: V 680. C: V 745. Introduction to clinical reasoning and formulation of differential diagnostic protocols for investigation of various visual problems.
  • OPT–V 757 Clinical Assessment II (1 cr.) P: V 756. A continuation in the clinical reasoning and formulation of differential diagnostic protocols for investigation of various visual problems.
  • OPT–V 758 Advanced Clinical Concepts in Binocular Vision and Pediatrics (1.5 cr.) P: V 666, V 781. The goal of this course is to provide the students with advanced knowledge in the areas of binocular vision and pediatrics. Topics covered will include clinical cases involving amyblyopia, strabismus, infants, and vision therapy among others. Classes will be a mixture of case presentations and lecture. Students will have an enhanced understanding of how to diagnose and treat patients with these disorders upon completion of the course.
  • OPT–V 759 Business Aspects of Optometry (2 cr.) The business of optometric practices and career opportunities and aspects of optometry. 
  • OPT–V 774 Introduction to Epidemiology & Optometric Research (2 cr.) Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics, principles of epidemiological inquiry and research design, and the application of statistical methods to clinical data.
  • OPT–V 780 Clinical Skills Enhancement-3rd (2–2.5 cr.) Increased supervision provided by clinical faculty for students having dificulty in areas of clinical performance.
  • OPT–V 781 Pediatric Optometry (3 cr.) Specialized diagnosis and management strategies for the infant and child. Topics to include refractive and binocular vision anomalies, disease, pharmacology and an Optometrist's role in assessment and management of visual perception, learning disabilities and reading problems. Communication with parents, educators and other professionals.
  • OPT–V 786 Optometry Clinic (3 cr.) P: V 680 with a minimum grade of C-. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear.
  • OPT–V 787 Optometry Clinic (3 cr.) P: V 786 with a minimum grade of C-. A continuation of V 786. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear.
  • OPT–V 788 Optometry Clinic (3 cr.) P: V 787 with a minimum grade of C-. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis, case presentation by student interns. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear.
  • OPT–V 789 Optometry Clinic (3 cr.) P: V 788 with a minimum grade of C-. Continuation of V 788. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis, case presentation by student interns. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear.
  • OPT–V 880 Clinical Skills Enhancement-4th year (5–10 cr.) Increased supervision provided by clinical faculty for students having difficulty in areas of clinical performance.
  • OPT–V 884 Optometry Clinic-Arranged (5 cr.) P: P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as successful completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. Advanced clinical optometric training with emphasis on optometric specialties such as contact lens care, ocular disease diagnosis/management, binocular vision analysis/therapy, and pediatrics.
  • OPT–V 885 Optometry Clinic (10 cr.) P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. Advanced clinical optometric training with emphasis on optometric specialties such as contact lens care, ocular disease diagnosis/ management, binocular vision analysis/ therapy, and pediatrics.
  • OPT–V 887 Extension Clinic (10 cr.) P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. An intensive, hands-on patient care experience at a large urban optometry clinic in Indianapolis. Includes experience in primary care as well as specialty services.
  • OPT–V 888 External Clinic (10 cr.) P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. An intensive, hands-on patient care experience at an affiliated external clinical site such as a military hospital, Veterans Administration medical facility, or referral eye center.

Academic Bulletins

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