Geriatric Optometry

At the end of the Geriatric Optometry course, student will be able to: 1. explain the concept of geriatric eye care; 2. discuss the psychological, physiological, social and ocular problems of the elderly; 3. discuss the special ocular-visual problems of concern to the elderly patient; 4. identify techniques for refraction, binocularity and ocular health assessment of the elderly; 5. explain presbyopia, cataracts, aphakia, visual field losses, low contrast sensitivity and colour vision with respect to the geriatric patient; 6. handle and counsel the elderly patients; 7. discuss the problems of therapy, management and compliance among the elderly patient; and 8. discuss the special problems of the hospitalised and bedridden elderly patients.

Define the geriatric patient. Psychological, physiological, social and ocular problems of the elderly. Techniques for refraction, binocularity and ocular health assessment of the elderly with emphasis on involutional and pathological changes. Special ocular-visual problems of concern to the elderly patient. Presbyopia, cataracts, aphakia, visual field losses, low contrast sensitivity and colour vision. Handling, counselling the elderly patient. Problems of therapy, management and compliance. Special problems of the hospitalised and bedridden elderly patients. Clinical work is included.