Clinical Science Underpinning Ophthalmic and Vision Science Practice

Details

Title

Clinical Science Underpinning Ophthalmic and Vision Science Practice

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS226

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to analyse, synthesise, critically evaluate and apply knowledge to underpin specialist Consultant Clinical Scientist practice and be competent in the application of this knowledge. They should also consistently demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the training period the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, critically evaluate and apply their knowledge with respect to the:

• anatomy as applied to patients with visual system disorders, including an understanding of the development, structure and function of the normal eye, optic nerve and visual pathways, and an understanding of how disease processes can disturb normal anatomical structure and function;
• physiology as applied to patients with visual system disorders, including relevant neurophysiology, and an understanding of the causes and consequences of disturbance of normal physiology;
• basic histopathological changes that occur in visual system disorders and recognise the requirement for medical assistance;
• pharmacology as applied to patients with visual system disorders;
• value of communication with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, optometrists, orthoptists, geneticists, radiologists, pathologists, microbiologists.
• protecting paediatric patients and vulnerable adults from maltreatment, abuse, neglect or exploitation (safeguarding);
• the potential implications that loss of vision may have on the patient, including issues of safety;
• the psychological impact of loss of vision on the patient and their families.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically reflect and apply knowledge in practice to a range of clinical and communication skills to:

• integrate basic science information of the visual system and a knowledge of its disturbance into patient care;
• select appropriate investigations in specific clinical situations.