WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

Physiological and Visual Optics

Provides information on the function of the visual pathway, including the study of spectral sensitivity, colour perception and luminance. The module introduces the eye as an optical instrument. Topics include emmetropia and ametropia of the eye, distribution and correction of refractive errors, visual resolution and ocular aberrations, ocular transmission characteristics, retinal stimulus pattern and basics of eye movements.

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Covers the study of physical optics, aberrations, photometry, laser and fibre optics. It also provides a basic understanding of the optics of thin lenses, lens systems and aberrations.

Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

Aims to give students a general understanding of the anatomical features and the functions of the different structures of the eye. Students learn the structural details of the eye and its surroundings and also the importance of their physiology in maintaining good vision.

Human Physiology and Cell Biology

Introduces students to the structures of various organs in the human body and the relationships among their systems, functions and biochemical activities. It also provides the foundation in cell and molecular biology.

Clinical Optometry 1

Provides students with an understanding of clinical optometric process in eye consultation. This is the first of three modules to build students’ competency in clinical optometry. It develops students’ technical skill and competency in performing vision assessment. This module gives students the opportunity to work with patients early in their educational experience.

Clinical Optometry 2

Develops students’ clinical problem solving skills related to patients’ refractive error through case study discussions. It also provides the opportunity for students to work with patients.

Ophthalmic Optics

Covers the manufacturing, measurement, standards and specifications of ophthalmic lenses and spectacle frames. Students learn the skills of transforming a prescription into high quality eyeglasses.

Ophthalmic Dispensing

Teaches advanced techniques of spectacles assembly. Students learn about the application of latest ophthalmic products and their performance. This module will equip students with the skills to dispense optical appliances to patients in the most effective way.

Communicating for Personal & Team Effectiveness

We have introduced the Employability Skills (ES) WSQ Framework which aims to equip the workforce with generic and portable skills to adapt and be resilient to challenges posed by a globalised and dynamic working environment, into our curriculum. WSQ is a national credential system and more importantly, training programmes developed under the WSQ system are based on skills and competencies validated by employers, unions and professional bodies. Two ES WSQ modules which are aligned to and introduced in CPT include “Develop Personal Effectiveness at Operations Level” and “Apply Emotional Competence to Manage Self at the Workplace”. In the first ES WSQ module, the learner will acquire the knowledge and skills to solve problems and make decisions by setting personal goals which are in line with team goals. This includes managing time and resources effectively so as to reduce stress to achieve work-life balance. In the second ES WSQ module, the learner will understand and be able to apply self-awareness techniques including applying emotional intelligence principles to manage oneself at the workplace.

Critical and Analytical Thinking

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking, which includes the ability to evaluate different perspectives, articulate a point of view and support it with relevant and credible evidence. The module also provides students with opportunities to practise information literacy, and critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues.

Narrative Thinking

This module aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate the elements of narratives used in a variety of contexts, and to appreciate and harness the power of storytelling in our daily life. Students will analyse narratives to connect and contextualise self to society, and learn to craft impactful personal narratives to inspire or influence others.

Basic Mathematics

Equips students with basic mathematical knowledge and skills in algebra, trigonometry and calculus to enable them to understand and solve engineering problems encountered in their course of studies. It also serves as a foundation for further mathematics in the subsequent modules. Students also learn how to use mathematical software.

Engineering Mathematics

Equips students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills to solve problems encountered in their course of study. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced mathematics in the second year. Topics include trigonometry, determinants, matrices, complex numbers and calculus.

Education and Career Guidance 1: Personal Development

This module aims to help you discover your strengths, values and interests. It also supports you in making informed educational and career choices to achieve your career aspirations.

Ocular Pharmacology

Introduces students to the basic concepts of pharmacology and ocular drugs. Ocular diagnostic and therapeutic drugs such as mydriatic, miotic, cycloplegic and glaucoma drugs are covered in some detail. Students are given a good understanding of ocular and systemic side effects of ocular and some commonly seen general drugs.

Ocular Disease 1

Provides an overview of the science of microbiology, with an emphasis on the application to the study of ocular infections. The module covers the diagnosis and management of anterior segment of the eye in response to local pathologic processes (e.g. infection, trauma, neoplasm) and disorders (e.g. congenital).

Clinical Optometry 3

Builds up on Clinical Optometry I and II with the technical skills to assess the anterior ocular health of patient.

Binocular Vision

Prepares students with fundamental knowledge in development of binocular vision; equipping students with skills to detect, diagnose and management of common binocular conditions.

Contact Lenses

Covers the principles of contact lens and integrate them with students’ understanding of the cornea, tear film and eyelid anatomy. The emphasis is also on the acquisition of contact lens-related clinical skills, problem solving and clinical decision making in the fitting of soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses.

Clinical Practice I

Develops the clinical critical thinking and problem solving skills of optometry students by hands-on clinical experience in patient examination.

Contact Lens Practice 1

Develops students’ clinical critical thinking and problem solving skills in contact lens consultation and examination.

Chemistry I

Upon completion of this module, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the electronic structure of atoms and its basis for the study of chemical bonding. Students will learn to apply the VSEPR model to visualise three dimensional structure of molecules and determine the possible types of interactions to explain the physical and chemical properties of matter. They will also learn the structure and bonding of matter and be able to predict trends in the properties of matter and its reaction. This will enable students to apply the fundamental ideas of conservations of matter and energy in stoichiometry and thermochemistry. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills and techniques critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental techniques in the areas of titration, thermochemistry and qualitative inorganic analysis.

Chemistry II

Upon completion of this module, students will develop a basic understanding that changes in matter involved the study of its feasibility due to kinetics and thermodynamics consideration and extent of change. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical kinetics are introduced to students and this will form the basis for the study of chemical equilibrium, including chemical equilibria in aqueous media involving acids and bases. Topics in organic chemistry will introduce students to basic concepts on how simple molecules can be constructed and applied to organic reaction transformations and functional group interconversion. This provides students the opportunity to apply their knowledge on structure and bonding to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. The module also aims to equip students with the analytical and observation skills critical for working in a chemical laboratory by exposing them to a range of experimental skills and techniques in the areas of reaction kinetics, simple organic synthesis and purification and qualitative organic analysis.

Social Innovation Project

This module aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset in a social innovation context. Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply Design Thinking tools and methods to create innovative prototype solutions for local social issues. In the process, they will develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local community in need.

Education and Career Guidance 2: Career Development

This module aims to help you develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work effectiveness.

Elective 1

Elective 2

Ocular Disease 2

Covers the diagnosis, referral and management of eye conditions in response to degenerations, injuries and systemic pathologic processes with emphasis on the conditions of the posterior segment of the eye.

Low Vision and Community Health Optometry

Introduces students to the health care delivery system within Singapore and optometrists’ role in this system. It also provides students with the knowledge of public health and in particular vision and ageing, blindness and low vision. The module also provides the techniques and rationale of visual ergonomics, lighting, vision demands at work and recreation including industrial ocular hazards and their prevention.

Paediatric Optometry

Aims to provide students with basic knowledge of paediatric optometry, clinical testing and managing paediatric patients in an optometric practice.

Clinical Practice 2

Further develops the clinical skills needed to competently examine patients in optometric practice, and recommend appropriate treatment, strategies and management for patients presenting for primary eye care.

Contact Lens Practice 2

Provides in-depth clinical experience in diagnosis of contact lens complications and development of patient management skills.

Internship Programme

The 17-weeks internship programme provides immersive experiential learning in a relevant work place environment. It is also a platform outside classroom to enhance students’ skills and proficiency as optometrists, so that they are work and life ready upon graduation. The main aims are (i) to provide workplace learning and (ii) to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills obtained throughout the different modules they have learned in the course.

Elective 3