Report - 2007
Department of Clinical Vision Sciences
The Department of Clinical Vision Sciences is the sole provider of Orthoptic education in Victoria and one of only two programs in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. The program has a significant international reputation with graduates being accepted for practice throughout Asia, Europe, North America and the United Kingdom. In addition to the profession specific degree program our staff contributes expert lectures in relation to disorders of the eye and vision to other degree programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences and at other universities. The Department offers postgraduate study opportunities through the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methods, Masters by Research, PhD or Doctor of Clinical Sciences (Clinical Vision Science) degrees. The Department has strong international links in clinical education and staff are actively involved in supporting the development of the profession both nationally and internationally.
Key developments in Teaching and Clinical Education
The Department has been engaged in the Faculty’s curriculum renewal process through 2007 contributing to the interprofessional practice common first year units and re-structuring our current 3.5 year Bachelors degree to a Bachelors and Masters double degree combination. Over the past two years the Department has been extensively developing a blended learning approach based on the University’s learning management system. Our clinical education program places students throughout Australia and in 2007 international placements included Auckland, Liverpool, London, San Diego, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.
An exciting development in clinical education in 2007 has been the initiation of a conjoint Associate Professorial appointment between The Department Clinical Vision Sciences and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. This initiative will strengthen our clinical education program and provide opportunities for clinically based research. Zoran Georgievski has taken this role for an initial twelve month pilot to scope the development of a clinical school for the Department at the Hospital.
Discussions began during 2007 to co-develop an Orthoptic degree in Queensland to help address the shortage of trained eye health professionals outside Melbourne and Sydney.
Key Developments in Research
Dr Linda Malesic has joined a research collaboration led by Professor Jonathan Crowston, Centre for Eye Research Australia developing an evidence base for glaucoma management protocols. This collaboration in combination with the development of a clinical school at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital are exciting developments for research within the Department.
Dr Connie Koklanis and Associate Professor Zoran Georgievski were co Scientific Co-coordinators of the Orthoptic Association of Australia’s national conference held in Perth. Connie and Zoran have also accepted the roles of Editors in Chief of the Australian Orthoptic Journal.
Key Developments in Community Service
The staff of the Department take an active role in professional development within the Orthoptic profession. Staff are involved in the governance and regulation of the Orthoptic profession at both national and international levels.