Contact Lenses I

At the end of OPT 413 (Contact Lenses I) course, the students should be able to: 1. discuss the history of the development of contact lenses; 2. appreciate the trends of current usage of contact lenses; 3. describe insertion and removal of rigid and soft contact lenses 4. discuss fitting of rigid and soft contact lenses; 5. discuss the approach to aftercare of contact lens patients; 6. discuss the physiological basis of contact lens wear; 7. appreciate alternative contact lens options; 8. devise solutions to contact lens problems; 9. comprehend the significance of new developments in the contact lens field; 10. confidently handle contact lens patients/cases; 11. insert and remove rigid and soft contact lenses; 12. undertake preliminary measurements for rigid and soft contact lens fitting; 13. use the slit lamp biomicroscope and keratometer for contact lens fitting purpose; 14. evaluate the fit of rigid and soft contact lenses; 15. carry out an over-refraction with rigid and soft contact lenses; and 16. explain contact lens related technological issues to patients.

History and development of contact lenses. Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of contact lens materials. Optical and mathematical concepts. The anatomical implications of, and physiological response to contact lens wear. Patient selection: Indications and contraindications for contact lens wear. Contact Lens selection and designs/types. Basic fitting techniques for hydrogel soft contact lenses. Care and maintenance of contact lenses. Assessing success of contact lens therapy.