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Course Descriptions
The following 8000-level courses are taken in the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program.
Optometry
OPTOM 8010 Anatomy, Physiology and Disease Process I (5)
First in a two-semester course sequence that will detail the general anatomy of the human body along with the histology (microanatomy), physiology and disease processes of major organ systems. Course content will be presented in a modular format. Areas of discussion will include cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, integumentary, and peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. The laboratories will emphasize and augment important concepts introduced in the classroom environment.
OPTOM 8020 Geometric Optics (4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The principles of geometric optics as applied to refracting and reflecting surfaces, thin lenses, thick lenses, and lens systems. The optics of various ophthalmic instruments and techniques will be examined.
OPTOM 8030 Introduction to Optometry (1)
An introduction to the profession of optometry including a consideration of the characteristics of a profession, the behaviors and attitudes of a professional, the history of optometry, the profession’s legal basis, the major optometric organizations, and sources and types of information available to optometrists. One hour of lecture per week.
OPTOM 8040 Neuroanatomy (4)
Detailed gross and microscopic anatomy of the human central nervous system with a special emphasis on the cranial nerves, nuclei, and the visual system.
OPTOM 8060 Biochemistry (3)
Basic concepts of general and cellular biochemistry. Study of nomenclature structure, and reactions of organic molecules. Some emphasis on visual system - tears, intraocular fluids, lens, and photochemistry.
OPTOM 8090 Case Based Discovery for the Developing Clinician (1)
Students acquire curricular competencies appropriate for the professional year in which they are enrolled via in depth individual and group discovery via case based presentations. The experience will provide students the opportunity to assimilate and recognize the relationships among diverse topics emphasized within the optometric curriculum. Participants work in groups of no more than 10. Course may be repeated for credit.
OPTOM 8110 Anatomy, Physiology and Disease Process Il (4)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8010. Continuation of OPTOM 8010 Anatomy, Physiology and Disease Processes I.
OPTOM 8120 Ocular Optics (4)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8020. The eye as an image forming mechanism, the schematic eyes, the optical role of the pupil, the retinal image and its evaluation. Nature, classification, and etiology of ametropia. Experimental models of refractive errors. Entoptic phenomena. Mechanism and optical aspects of accommodation.
OPTOM 8140 Physical Optics and Photometry (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8020 or consent of instructor. Basic photometric concepts, measurements of light levels, applications in ergonomics, visual and photographic optics. Physical optics including diffraction, interference, polarization, birefringence, and lasers.
OPTOM 8160 Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye (5)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8040 and OPTOM 8010 or consent of instructor. Vegetative anatomy and physiology of the eye, optic nerve, orbit, and adnexa will be discussed. This includes discussion of embryology and the dynamics of ocular fluids. Four lecture hours and a two-hour laboratory per week.
OPTOM 8180 Clinical Optometry I (5)
Selected tests for ocular assessment including case history, visual acuity, and ophthalmoscopy, refraction, and binocular integration. The course format is two 75-minute lectures and two 2-hour laboratores.
OPTOM 8220 Ophthalmic Optics (4)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8140, and 8120. Ophthalmic materials, physical characteristics of lenses and frames, paraxial optics of ophthalmic lenses, ophthalmic prisms, lens specifications, special lenses, multifocal lenses, unique designs, aniseikonic lenses, abberation theory and its application to lens design, lenses for low vision, protective eyewear, selecting and dispensing eyewear, management of a dispensary.
OPTOM 8230 Interpersonal Communications (2)
Principles of human interpersonal relationships. The enhancement of listening and verbal skills will be provided. Emphasis will be preparing the student to understand and manage the many human interpersonal relationships necessary in the practice of optometry. Two hours of lecture per week.
OPTOM 8240 Ocular Motility (4)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8040 or consent of instructor. The anatomy, physiology, neurology, measurement, characteristics, and control of the intra and extraocular system.
OPTOM 8250 Monocular Sensory Processes (5)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8160 or consent of instructor. Monocular sensory processes of vision: phototransduction, visual neurophysiology, spatial and temporal vision, acuity, light adaptation and discrimination, color, motion, objects and attention. Sensory processes are considered from both the psychophysical aspects and neurophysiological bases, including the changes during development, adulthood and aging,. Four hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
OPTOM 8260 Foundations of Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management I (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8110. The first of a comprehensive, three semester course sequence. Topics will be discussed in a modular, systems based approach. The course introduces students to disease processes and the organ systems they affect, clinical diagnoses, pharmacology on specified organ systems and optometric and medical management of ocular and systemic disease.
OPTOM 8280 Clinical Optometry II (5)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8180. Continuation of clinical optometry. Patient care in the areas of refraction, binocular integration, perimetry, and bimicroscopy.
OPTOM 8320 Ophthalmic Dispensing (1)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8220. Clinical experience in verification and dispensing of ophthalmic materials.
OPTOM 8340 Binocular Vision and Space Perception (4)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8240, 8280, and 8250 or consent of instructor. Binocular vision and space perception. Visual direction, theory of correspondence, fusion, rivalry, ocular dominance, and stereopsis. Developmental aspects and neurophysiological mechanisms.
OPTOM 8350 Epidemiology (2)
A review of descriptive statistics, probability sampling, correlation, and prediction. The essentials of epidemiological study procedures and a discussion of the epidemiology of vision disorders.
OPTOM 8370 Foundations of Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management II (7)
Prerequisites: OPTOM 8260. A continuation of a comprehensive, systems based course sequence that introduces students to disease processes and the organ systems they affect, clinical diagnoses, pharmacology on specified organ systems and optometric and medical management of ocular and systemic disease. The laboratories will emphasize and augment important concepts introduced in the classroom environment.
OPTOM 8380 Clinical Optometry III (2)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8280. Correlation and analysis of optometric data. Emphasis on diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of visual problems. The course format is one 50-minute lecture and one 2-hour laboratory per week.
OPTOM 8390 Specialty Clinic Laboratory (1)
Prerequisites: OPTOM 8280. Students acquire and practice skills for pediatric, binocular vision, low vision, and contact lens examinations. The course format is one 2-hour laboratory per week.
OPTOM 8391 Clinical Topics in Contact Lenses (1)
Prerequisites: OPTOM 8280. This is the first in a series of 3 courses addressing contact lenses. The focus is on contact lens care and evaluation. The course format is one 50-minute lecture per week.
OPTOM 8392 Clinical Topics in Binocular Vision and Pediatric Optometry (1)
Prerequisites: OPTOM 8280. This course presents clinical diagnostic and management skills for both pediatric patients and those with binocular vision anomalies. The course format is one 50-minute lecture per week.
OPTOM 8393 Clinical Topics in Low Vision (1)
Prerequisites: OPTOM 8280. This course presents clinical diagnostic and management skills for patients with low vision. The course format is one 50-minute lecture per week.
OPTOM 8400 Directed Readings (1)
Credit is given for independent literature review of a specific topic in any area of basic or clinical vision science guided by a full time faculty member with appropriate interests. Credit is awarded upon approval of a written paper regarding the selected topic. This elective may be repeated up to a total of 3 credit hours.
OPTOM 8410 Directed Research (3)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Credit is given for independent research. Projects may be laboratory, library, or clinically based research in any area of vision science. Projects will be supervised by one or more full time faculty members. This elective may be repeated up to a total of 6 credit hours.
OPTOM 8420 Ocular Photography (2)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Optical principles and clinical techniques in photographing the internal and external eye and its adnexa. Includes laboratory exercises on use of the most common types of clinical cameras.
OPTOM 8470 Case Studies in Ocular Disease (1)
Prerequisites: 8370, Ocular Disease I and 8570, Ocular Disease II. This course will focus on discussion of current clinical topics in eye disease as they relate to student experiences in the clinic. Ocular diagnosis and management will be reviewed as well as advanced diagnostic techniques.
OPTOM 8500 General Clinic I (6)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8380 and successful completion of all first and second year course work. The clinical examination and care of general clinic patients, along with the fitting and dispensing of lenses and frames.
OPTOM 8520 Contact Lenses I (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8380. Historical development of the contact lens and its use. Basic lens terminology, specifications, physiochemical characteristics, optics, fabrication, and verification. Preliminary patient evaluation, indications and contraindications for contact lenses. Basic fitting philosophies for all lens types. Lens care and patient education. Patient and practice management considerations.
OPTOM 8540 Binocular Vision Anomalies (4)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8310 and 8340 or consent of instructor. The etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and course sequelae of the obstacles to binocular vision - sensory, integrative, and motor. The detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and orthoptic treatment of such anomalies. Clinical care of aniseikonias.
OPTOM 8550 Low Vision (3)
The etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and course sequelae of low vision problems. Methods of testing, prognosis, selection of therapy, design of environmental and optical aids, problems of rehabilitation. Agencies, laws, public and social assistance for the partially sighted and blind.
OPTOM 8560 Public Health (2)
A review of local, state, and federal organizations involved in health care, comprehensive health planning, new trends in health care delivery, and the assessment of the quality of health care delivery. The relationship of vision care to these topics is emphasized.
OPTOM 8570 Advanced Topics in Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management (6)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8370. The third semester of a comprehensive, systems based course sequence. Advanced topics in diagnosis as well as optometric and medical management of ocular and systemic disease will be discussed. The laboratories will emphasize and augment important concepts introduced in the classroom environment.
OPTOM 8600 General Clinic II (6)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8500 and successful completion of all Fall semester third year course work. Same as General Clinic I.
OPTOM 8610 Environmental Vision (2)
This course considers the relationship of the eye and vision to all aspects of one's environment including home, work, recreation, and transportation. Emphasis will be placed on protecting the eye from injury and maximizing vision performance.
OPTOM 8620 Contact Lenses II (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8520. Advanced contact lens fitting, theories, and clinical methods for astigmatic, presbyopic, keratoconic, and aphakic designs. Special considerations include the use of corneal topography, orthokeratology, disposable lenses, lenses for extended wear and lenses for color deficiencies.
OPTOM 8630 Practice Management III (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8030 and OPTOM 8230. The development and management of an optometric practice from a patient and community service point of view - office design, office routine, patient care administration, personnel management, and recall systems. The establishment, development, and management of an optometric practice from a business point of view. Legal developments, governmental relationships, legislation and the legislative process, malpractice, professional ethics, taxes, fee structures, insurance, and accounting methods.
OPTOM 8640 Pediatric Optometry (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8380. Special examination and management considerations of the pediatric patient. Psychological, physiological, social, and demographic aspects of early visual development. Discussion of the optometric considerations of children with learning and reading disabilities.
OPTOM 8650 Geriatric Optometry (2)
Same as GERON 6458. Special examination and management considerations of the geriatric patient will be discussed. Psychological, physiological, social, and demographic aspects of aging, as well as ocular changes associated with the aging process will be taught.
OPTOM 8660 Contact Lens Specialty Clinic (1)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8520 and successful completion of all Fall semester third year course work. The clinical examination and care of patients in the optometric specialty area of contact lenses.
OPTOM 8670 Ocular Assessment (1)
Prerequisite: Enrollment in General Clinic I or II. Discussion of the diagnosis and management of common clinic patient encounters via Socratic teaching techniques. Interns are encouraged to present actual cases which have been particularly challenging for them.
OPTOM 8680 Ophthalmic Lasers (1)
Principles and applications of lasers for ophthalmic use. Emphasis will be placed on demonstration where possible. Topics will include the principles, physics and safety concerns of ophthalmic lasers. Lasers used in retinal imaging, and in the care of glaucoma, cataract, refractive conditions, and cosmetic conditions will be discussed and demonstrated. Comanagement of patients requiring ophthalmic laser treatment will also be covered.
OPTOM 8690 Pediatric/Binocular Vision Specialty Clinic (1)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8540 and successful completion of all Fall semester third year course work. The clinical examination and care of patients in the optometric specialty areas of binocular vision and pediatric vision.
OPTOM 8700 UMSL Pediatric/Binocular Vision Patient Care (3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of patients in pediatric/binocular vision clinic at the University of Missouri-St. Louis University Eye Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with OPTOM 8710 and OPTOM 8720.
OPTOM 8710 UMSL Contact Lens Patient Care (3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care in the contact lens clinic at the University of Missouri-St. Louis University Eye Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with OPTOM 8700 and OPTOM 8720.
OPTOM 8720 UMSL Eye Health Management Patient Care (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care in the eye health management clinic with ophthalmologists at the University of Missouri-St. Louis University Eye Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with OPTOM 8700 and OPTOM 8710.
OPTOM 8730 Optometric Center Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of patients at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Optometric Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8760 Harvester Eye Center Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of patients at the Harvester Eye Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8770 Community Service Rotation in Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of patients at St. Louis area community health centers. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8780 External Rotation in Institutional Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of primary care patients at external sites approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8790 External Rotation in Ocular Disease Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of patients with ocular disease at external sites approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8800 External Rotation in Pediatric/Binocular Vision Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of pediatric/ binocular vision patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8810 External Rotation in Contact Lens Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of contact lens patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8811 External Rotation in Ophthalmic Surgical Patient Care (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care of Ophthalmic Surgical Patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8812 External Rotation in Geriatric Patient Care (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care of Geriatric Patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8813 External Rotation in Ophthalmic Sports Vision (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of al second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care of Sports Vision Patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8814 External Rotation in Primary Care (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care of Primary Care Patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8815 External Rotation in Pathology and Treatment (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care in pathology and treatment of patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8816 External Rotation in Ophthalmic Laser Treatment (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care in ophthalmic laser treatment of patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8817 External Rotation in Rehabilitative Patient Care (7)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all second & third year coursework. Comprehensive clinical care in Rehabilitative Patient Care at an external site approved by the College of Optometry’s Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8820 External Rotation in Low Vision Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of low vision patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8830 External Rotation in General Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of a general population of optometric patients at external sites approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
OPTOM 8840 External Supplementary Rotation in General Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of general population of optometric patients at an external site approved by the College of Optometry's Externship Council.
OPTOM 8850 Supplementary Rotation in General Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Comprehensive clinical care of general population of optometric patients at the UMSL University Eye Center, UMSL Optometric Center, or the UMSL East St. Louis Eye Center.
OPTOM 8870 Practice Management IV (2)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Further in-depth discussion in practice management.
OPTOM 8880 Clinic Seminar (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year course work. Presentation and discussion of interesting clinical patients. Additional clinical testing techniques and concepts. Further discussion of patient data analysis - the process of determining diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Further discussions in the optometric specialties.
OPTOM 8910 Topics in Geriatric Optometry (3)
Prerequisite: OPTOM 8650. This course will address concerns and options in providing optometric care to a geriatric population. New techniques, research, and public policy changes will be discussed to assist students in assembling a global perspective on delivering health care to a specific population.
OPTOM 8970 Geriatric Patient Care Delivery (3-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of Geriatric Residency Instructors. Direct optometric patient care to a population that is largely geriatric. Emphasis will be on integrating specialty care available for these patients to provide comprehensive vision care. Two hours of direct patient care per week are required per hour of credit. In addition, the student will attend weekly supervisory meetings. May be repeated with consent of instructor for a total of 18 credits. Patient care will become more independent of direct supervision and the type of patients seen will be more varied with each repeat.
Vision Science
The following 6000-level courses may be taken in the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy programs in Vision Science.
VIS SCI 6400 Sensory Processes and Perception (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in vision science or consent of instructor. Current views on the encoding of various aspects of the visual stimulus (intensity, space, time, and wavelength) that give rise to the perceptions of brightness, contour, motion, and color will be considered in this course. The psychophysical tools available to examine visual encoding will be emphasized. Other topics will include binocular vision and depth perception, information processing approaches to visual pattern recognition, and the similarities and interactions of the visual system with the other sensory modalities.
VIS SCI 6401 Visual Optics (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in vision science or consent of instructor. This course deals with the optical properties of the eye. Included are a review of general optics including physical optics, paraxial and non‑paraxial geometric optics, image quality, radiometry and photometry, and optical instrumentation. Topics in visual optics will include schematic eyes, measurement of the parameters of the eye, accommodation, retinal image size, refractive errors, visual axes, spectral absorption by the ocular media, and the optical performance of the eye.
VIS SCI 6402 Ocular Anatomy and Physiology (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required for graduate students not in Vision Science. The structures and fluids of the eye and orbit, their interactions and functions are considered in this course. Specific topics include the eyelids, tearfilm, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, ciliary body, vasculature, aqueous humor, vitreous body, and the retina.
VIS SCI 6403 Psychophysical Methods and Experimental Design (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in vision science or consent of instructor. Advanced methodology for the design and analysis of experiments in a variety of areas of visual science are considered in this course. Both basic and applied topics will be considered. Special emphasis will be placed on psychophysical methodology, signal detection analysis, and scaling techniques.
VIS SCI 6404 Sensory Neuroscience (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in vision science or consent of instructor. This course will deal with the neural organization of the sensory systems with an emphasis on vision. It will include a review of general neurophysiology and neuroanatomy as they relate to the processing of environmental stimuli into neural information, as well as experimental approaches utilized in neurobiology. Topics to be covered include neural transduction and sensory coding by receptors and neurons, constraints on perception defined by the functional organization of the nervous system, sensory development and plasticity as related to neural development, and evolution of sensory systems.
VIS SCI 6405 Neuroanatomy (5)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Detailed gross and microscopic anatomy of the human central nervous system with a special emphasis on the cranial nerves, nuclei, and the visual system. Students may not receive credit for both VIS SCI 6405 and OPTOM 8040.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing. The principles of geometrical optics as applied to refracting and reflecting surfaces, thin lenses, thick lenses, and lens systems. The optics of various ophthalmic instruments and techniques will be examined. A student may not receive credit for both VIS SCI 6406 and OPTOM 8020.
VIS SCI 6458 Noninvasive Assessment of the Visual System (2)Prerequisites: Completion of core or consent of instructor. This course reviews historical topics and emphasizes current topics in the noninvasive clinical and laboratory assessment of the normal and diseased human visual system. Topics will range from delineation of disease mechanisms (such as retinal and choroidal disorders, cataract, corneal disease, glaucoma, strabismus and amblyopia) to the design and assessment of new techniques and technology for evaluating the function of the visual system (e.g. advances in imaging function of the visual system (e.g. advances in imaging techniques, fluorophotometry, perimetry, laser interferometry, pyschophysics, etc.).
VIS SCI 6470 Individual Studies in Vision Science (2)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course designation can be used to cover a variety of topics in visual science. In general, very specific topics of limited interest will be presented as individual studies. Individual studies and advanced topics enable the student's course of study to be sharply tuned to his or her major area of interest.
VIS SCI 6490 Graduate Research in Vision Science (1-15)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Research in an area selected by the student in consultation with faculty members. May be taken to a maximum of 10 hours for the M.S. and 15 hours for the Ph.D.
VIS SCI 6497 Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care (2)
Same as GERON 6497. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Interdisciplinary approaches that address the medical and social needs of the elderly will be examined. Information about geriatric care and social issues affecting the well‑being of older adults will be provided. Clinical, theoretical, and educational perspectives will be presented.
VIS SCI 6499 Current Topics in Optometry and Vision Science (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This seminar course examines and analyzes current publications in eye care and vision research.