Professional Credential in Ocular Therapeutics – Foundations of Ocular Therapeutics
- Duration
- 7 weeks
- Delivery mode
- Online
- Price (AUD inc. GST)
- $3,900
- Spots remaining
- AVAILABLE
- Digital badge credential
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Foundational therapeutic knowledge
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Designed for eye clinicians
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Flexible online learning
- Course summary
- About
- Outcomes
- Schedule
- Credentials
- Next steps
Course summary
Build your foundational knowledge and understanding in ocular therapeutics
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.
Who will benefit
- Eye health care clinicians looking to build foundational knowledge in ocular therapeutics
- Individuals preparing for therapeutic endorsement or expanding their clinical scope
Course is suitable for
- Optometrists, ophthalmologists and eye care professionals seeking a structured introduction to therapeutic prescribing.
Practitioners aiming to deepen their understanding of microbiology, pharmacology and legislative frameworks in optometric care.
Delivered by experts
About the course
Strengthen your foundation in ocular therapeutics
This course is ideal for eye care professionals looking to build confidence in therapeutic practice. Covering core concepts in microbiology, pharmacology and immunology, you'll explore how these principles apply to the diagnosis and management of anterior eye disease and glaucoma. You'll also gain an understanding of prescribing legislation, referral pathways and shared care planning — key areas for those expanding their clinical scope or preparing for therapeutic endorsement.
Why enrol in this course
Gain foundational skills
Build essential knowledge in pharmacology, microbiology, and therapeutic prescribing.
Advance your career in weeks
Complete the course in just 7 weeks and take a key step toward therapeutic endorsement.
Apply learning in real clinical contexts
Reinforce key concepts through case-based tasks and guided reflections that mirror real-world optometric practice.
Build professional connections
Collaborate with peers to build your network and expand your perspective and clinical decision-making.
Key features
Build essential knowledge in ocular therapeutics to support safe, effective clinical care.
Apply concepts through real-world tasks and connect with peers in guided discussions.
Learn over 7 weeks with a mix of self-paced modules and live evening sessions.
Learn from experienced optometrists and educators with deep expertise in therapeutic practice.
Learning outcomes
Clinical expertise in ocular therapeutics
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to apply foundational knowledge in microbiology, pharmacology, and immunology to ocular therapeutic practice, understand relevant prescribing legislation and make informed decisions in the management of anterior eye disease and glaucoma within your clinical scope. You will also be able to recognise when referral or shared care is required and collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- 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.
Topics covered
- Basics of inflammation and immunology
- Basics of microbiology, including pathogenesis
- Disinfection, vaccination and anti-microbials
- Basic biochemistry
- Cardiovascular anatomy and pharmacology
- Respiratory anatomy and pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Introduction to medication classes in optometry
- Prescribing for special populations
- Reporting of adverse drug reactions
- Regulation of optometric therapeutic practice
- Prescription writing
- Introduction to the Pharmaceutic Benefits Scheme
- Authority prescriptions
Course delivery
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Schedule
This course is delivered online across 7 weeks.
Prep week (Week 0) |
Module 1: Microbiology, inflammation and immunology (Weeks 1-2) |
Module 2: Biochemistry (Weeks 3-4) |
Module 3: Pharmacology (Weeks 5-6) |
Module 4: Legislation, PBS, special populations and consolidation (Week 7) |
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Skills and career
Skills
Career roles
Course is suitable for