Professional Credential in Ocular Therapeutics – Foundations of Ocular Therapeutics
Date: 2/02/2026 (AEDT)
Venue: Online, NSW, 2052
Provider: School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales
Contact: Pauline Kang, [E] p.kang@unsw.edu.au, [P] 0290656112
Activity Outline
The course introduces the basic and clinical sciences related to the use of therapeutic agents in primary care optometry. This course provides the student with important fundamental knowledge essential for practicing with a therapeutic scope, including: microbiology, inflammation and immunology; biochemistry; and pharmacology. These will be covered with reference to the diagnosis and management of anterior eye disease and glaucoma. Additionally, the legislative aspects of therapeutic prescribing by optometrists in Australia and New Zealand will be present. Finally, therapeutic prescribing for special populations will be outlined.
Learning Objectives
- Define and discuss the basics of microbiology, inflammation and immunology with a focus on pathologies of the eye
- Have a basic understanding of the major systems of the body which may be impacted by prescription of ocular therapeutic agents
- Define and discuss the pharmacological considerations of ocular drugs used in the treatment of anterior eye disease and interactions between ocular and systemic diseases and their management
- Apply knowledge of relevant State/Territory legislation and Guidelines to lawfully prescribe therapeutic agents in the management of ocular disease
- Briefly outline circumstances where referral for specialist medical treatment is required, the urgency of the referral and the most appropriate health care provider to be referred to
- Plan and execute appropriate shared care arrangements of patients, including recognizing the legal and ethical implications of such arrangements and interactions with other health care providers
Max CPD hours awarded: 20
Session Information
| Name |
|---|
| Module 1 - Microbiology, Inflammation and immunology |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| Yes |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 6.5 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 6.5 |
| Name |
|---|
| Module 2- Biochemistry |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| Yes |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 5.5 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 5.5 |
| Name |
|---|
| Module 3- Pharmacology |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| Yes |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 5 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 5 |
| Name |
|---|
| Module 4- Legislation, PBS, special populations and consolidation |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| Yes |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 3 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 3 |