This module teaches students how to evaluate the evidence for and propose alternative control strategies for non-communicable adult causes of blindness/low vision, with emphasis on the student’s own work situation.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the evidence on the risk factors and management of cataracts;
- Interpret and use indicators evaluating cataract services (output, outcome and outlay) and equity of access;
- Propose inclusive control strategies for the elimination of cataract blindness appropriate to the student’s place of work;
- Critically evaluate the evidence on the risk factors and management of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and refractive errors;
- Discuss the role of screening programmes in preventing blindness in the student’s geographical location;
- Synthesise evidence on the public health requirement for vitreoretinal surgical services in different global contexts, particularly regarding retinal detachment and complications of diabetic retinopathy that need vitreoretinal surgical interventions;
- Assess the evidence on the magnitude, risk factors and management of low vision and propose inclusive strategies for control appropriate to the student’s place of work.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- Cataract pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology. Management options for cataract blindness and control strategies in specific settings. • Glaucoma pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology. Management options for glaucoma and control strategies in specific settings.
- Diabetic retinopathy pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology. Management options for DR and control strategies in specific settings.
- Refractive errors pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology. Management options for RE control strategies in specific settings.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) pathophysiology, aetiology and epidemiology. Management options for AMD and control strategies in specific settings.
- Principles of screening programmes and their application in non-communicable eye diseases.
- Low vision: epidemiology, management and control strategies. Low vision services
Mode of delivery
This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).
Assessment
The assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module's intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. Formative assessment methods may be used to measure students’ progress. The grade for summative assessment(s) only will go towards the overall award GPA.
The assessment for this module may be held face-to-face or online.
The assessment will consist of a written timed paper: Short answer questions from the module content.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
This module is compulsory for MSc Public Health for Eye Care and open to students from other MSc programmes with the appropriate background. It is suitable for Ophthalmologists or those aspiring to pursue ophthalmology in their medical career; Optometrists; Researchers; Eye Care Programme Managers and other senior health workers involved in the planning or delivery of eye care services.
This module is intended for all students. Previous experience in eye health care is advantageous.
Applications for Term 2 C2 modules are now closed. Please explore our full intensive modules list for modules which may be open for applications.