Course Descriptions

BASI 1502 provides an overview of cancer, genetics, lymphatic system and immunology. In Module 4: Cancer and Genetics, emphasis is placed on DNA mutations, polymorphisms, patterns of inheritance in human diseases, cytogenetics, and molecular basis of cancer. Module 5: Lymphatic System and Immunology, includes gross anatomy and histology of the lymphatic system and structure/function of the immune system. Basic precepts of the lymphatic system and immunology will be applied to inflammation, tissue repair and healing. Understanding of immunology will be applied to immune responses to infectious agents. Also included are: development and pathology of immunologically-mediated diseases, immune responses to transplants, cancer, HIV infection, and therapeutic use of drugs affecting the immune system.

Credits: 4.5

BASI 1504 provides an overview of the Musculoskeletal System (Module 8). Module 8 includes: the basic concepts of embryology, an introduction to gross anatomy, the structure and function of skeletal and smooth muscle and the development of bone and cartilage. Muscle membrane excitability and the molecular basis of muscle contraction are discussed. Diseases of bone and soft tissues are included. This module contains lectures and two laboratory sessions that describe upper extremity anatomy and function.

Credits: 3

BASI 1506 provides an overview of the structure and function of the Cardiovascular (Module 11) and Respiratory Systems (Module 12). Module 11: Cardiovascular System begins with a discussion of the anatomy, histology, and embryological development of the heart and circulatory system. Other topics included are cardiac muscle function, electrophysiology of cardiac muscle, cardiac cycle, and cardiac performance. Control of cardiovascular function integrates discussions of hemodynamics, regional circulation, and arterial blood pressure. Module 12: Respiratory System discusses the anatomy and histology of the respiratory system, mechanics of breathing, gas transport, and regulation of respiration. Relevant topics in microbiology, pathophysiology, and pathology are described in both modules.

Credits: 5

BASI 1508 provides an overview of the Urogenital System (Module 15). Topics included in the first part of the module are: the anatomy of the urogenital system, histology of the urinary system, renal tubular transport mechanisms, the production of urine, the control of extracellular fluid volume, and acid/base balance. The second part of the module provides an overview of the structure and function of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems. Diseases of the urogenital system are discussed.

Credits: 3

The Interdisciplinary Healthcare course involves the Colleges of Dental Medicine, Health Sciences, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, and Pharmacy. The course is designed to teach all clinically-based students about each other's clinical programs and how they interact together as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team: cardiovascular sciences, clinical psychology, dental medicine, nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy and podiatry students learn about the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. The class consists primarily of online presentations that are delivered by interdisciplinary team members from each of the clinical programs. Associated quizzes will also be completed online. Occasional lectures will also be given in the classroom in a seminar format or in conjunction with panel presentations.

Credits: 0.5 credits each course

This course introduces students to the current issues faced by providers of primary eye care as well as ethical precepts that serve as foundations to providing health care to the public. Included is the history of optometry and the dynamic role of optometry in present day health systems.

Credits: 0.5

The optics of reflection, refraction at single spherical surfaces, thick lenses, prisms, and thin lenses will be covered in this sequence. Characteristics of electromagnetic waves, diffraction, interference, fluorescence, and polarization will be explained. Students will gain an appreciation of optics of telescopes, microscopes, other instruments, and photonic methods of imaging in healthcare.

Credits: 4 credits each course

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for OPTO 1550 Geometric and Physical Optics II: OPTO 1540 Geometric and Physical Optics I

The course allows the student to understand and appreciate the physiology and pathophysiology of the tissues and physiological units of the eye including the eyelids, ocular tear film, cornea, aqueous humor, iris, lens, vitreous, retina and the visual pathways. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship of ocular physiology to ocular pharmacology and ocular pathophysiology.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

OPTO 1560 Ocular Anatomy

This course focuses on 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, pupillary diameter and reflexes. The physiology of the extraocular muscles and their relationship to strabismus is included in the course.

Credits: 2

Students will learn about binocular sensory mechanisms of vision. This course will focus on the geometry of space and stereovision, and the underlying neuroanatomy and physiology of binocular vision. This course will include a discussion of the horopter, retinal correspondence, stereopsis, fusion, fixation disparity, rivalry and aniseikonia.

Credits: 4

This course sequence covers design and application of ophthalmic materials, the study of the physical and optical characteristics of ophthalmic single vision and multifocal lens designs; ophthalmic prisms; absorptive lenses, and the measurement and fitting of lenses and frames.

Credits: 4 credits each course

Prerequisites

• OPTO 1630 Ophthalmic Optics I: No Prerequisite
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1632 Ophthalmic Optics II: OPTO 1630 Ophthalmic Optics I

This course sequence includes a discussion of the theory and practice of contact lens design and contact lens fitting methodologies. Areas of discussion include corneal topography, design of materials, fabrication and modification of contact lenses, fitting and evaluation methodologies and procedures. Additionally, this course sequence will explore more advanced topics such as high and irregular astigmatism, keratoconic patients, presbyopic patients, post-surgical and irregular cornea fitting considerations. The care of patients seeking prosthetic eyes is also covered.

Prerequisites

• Prerequisites for OPTO 1648 Contact Lens I, 3 credits: no prerequisite
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1649 Contact Lens II, 3 credits: OPTO 1648 Contact Lens I
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1740 Contact Lens III, 2 credits: OPTO 1649 Contact Lens II

Principles of research design and the application of biostatistical methods will be discussed. The course will include an overview of potential studies that the student may choose for their capstone project.

Credits: 3

This course presents a discussion of the neurophysiological aspects of vision. Basic neurophysiological principles will be reviewed as well as retinal anatomy as a basis for understanding ocular visual neuro-pathophysiology to allow for a better understanding of some anomalies of monocular and binocular visual processes.

Credits: 2

Students learn how to collect a comprehensive health history and conduct a physical examination. This course discusses the relationship of findings from the health history and physical examination to ocular health conditions and their medical management. Students learn how to interpret clinical chemistry tests results, recognize criteria for referral of patients to other providers, and learn how to perform continuous chest compressions.

Credits: 3

This course will emphasize the principles of evaluation and management of strabismus and amblyopia. An organized approach to a comprehensive evaluation is presented and includes the assessment of associated anomalies such as eccentric fixation, suppression, anomalous correspondence, and nonconcomitancy.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites

OPTO 1720 Diagnosis and Management of Non-strabismic Disorders of Accommodation, Binocular Vision, and Eye Movements

This course is designed to provide educational information and exercises that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for entering optometric practice. Students will be taught modern business principles and be able to select their preferred mode of practice. The desired outcome of the course is that the student will be able to select and take the steps needed to enter the best practice for their individual needs and future goals.

Credits: 2

This course will focus on visual information processing testing and give students an organized approach to identify deficits that may have an impact on reading and learning. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of learning problems will be presented. This course will provide the doctrine behind standardized testing. In addition, an overview of learning disabilities and dyslexia will be presented. A sequential management plan will be introduced for treating patients with visual processing disorders. Introduction to Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and subsequent testing and training will be used to familiarize the student with current treatment options for ABI.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OPTO 1725 Pediatric Optometry

This course is a continuation of OPTO 1672. The student will further develop the capstone project, collect the data and perform statistical data analysis on data results.

Credits: 1

The student will provide primary eye care services in the Primary Care and Specialty Services (cornea and contact lenses, ocular disease, pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, sports vision, and ocular prosthetics) at the Midwestern University Eye Institute or at selected external clinical sites. This course series focuses on progressive competence in the diagnosis, treatment and management of visual dysfunctions and ocular conditions. Students will participate in case based clinical seminars as well.

Credits: 7.5 credits each course

Prerequisites

• Prerequisites for OPTO 1770 Clinical Services VII: OPTO 1654 Clinical Services, Theory & Methods VI and successful completion of preclinical proficiency exam
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1771 Clinical Services VIII: OPTO 1770 Clinical Services VII
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1772 Clinical Services IX: OPTO 1771 Clinical Services VIII
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1773 Clinical Services X: OPTO 1772 Clinical Services IX

Visual Rehabilitation is an entry level course, which presents the fundamental knowledge of clinical low vision care and rehabilitation necessary to perform basic low vision examinations during the fourth year clinical rotation, and in a practice setting after graduation. This course is an overview of the strategies for visual rehabilitation examination of patients with visual impairments, neurological issues following traumatic brain injury, and the geriatric population in general. The use of optical, non-optical and electronic devices in the rehabilitation process and the role of other professionals such as occupational therapists, social workers, orientation and mobility specialists and physical therapist will be discussed.

Credits: 3

Case presentations from the college clinic or optometric literature that introduce clinical diagnosis, treatment and management of patients using evidence-based clinical protocols will be the focus.

Credits: 2

The fourth professional year is designed to promote continued development of the student's emerging clinical problem-solving abilities. This is a series of full-time clinical rotations or externships. Direct patient care in individualized supervised clinical experiences is the focus. Interns will provide eye care services in the Primary Care and Specialty Services (cornea and contact lenses, ocular disease, pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, electro-diagnosis, vision therapy, sports vision and ocular prosthetics) at the Midwestern University Eye Institute or at selected external rotation sites. Clinical decision making will be enhanced through challenging patient care problems that highlight or emphasize differential diagnosis, management decisions, referral decisions and follow-up, as well as address newer techniques and procedures for diagnosis and management. This course is comprised of patient care experiences as well as a seminar series presented weekly during each fourth year clinical rotation in the Eye Institute. The seminars highlight patient care topics including, but not limited to primary care, contact lenses, vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, ocular therapeutics, practice management, and career preparation. Basic science and clinical science concepts are integrated within the context of these topics. The format of the seminar program includes lectures, workshops, laboratories, grand rounds, demonstrations and small group discussions.

Credits: 18 credits each course

Prerequisites

• Prerequisites for OPTO 1800 Clinical Services XI: OPTO 1773 Clinical Services X
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1810 Clinical Services XII: OPTO 1800 Clinical Services XI
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1820 Clinical Services XIII: OPTO 1810 Clinical Services XII
• Prerequisites for OPTO 1830 Clinical Services XIV: OPTO 1820 Clinical Services XIII

These courses place an emphasis on the physical and chemical properties of the drugs, dosages, and therapeutic effects, methods of administration and indications/contraindications for the use of the drug.

Prerequisites

• Prerequisites for PHAR 1601 General Pharmacology I, 3 credits: no prerequisite
• Prerequisites for PHAR 1621 General Pharmacology II, 4 credits: PHAR 1601 General Pharmacology I