OPTO2002 Optics of the Eye and Vision

This topic discusses the optical system of the eye, retinal image quality and its relation to visual acuity, the optics of different forms of vision correction, the optics of instruments used to examine the eye, and some aspects of the optics of the world around us that impact on vision.

This topic aims to:

• Provide an introduction to basic areas of optometry which are underpinned by optics
• Provide optics knowledge in a contextual, interdisciplinary and clinical structure
• Provide a foundation in optics and vision for later topics in the optometry course

1. Understand and apply the optical properties of reflection, refraction, vergence and power to different optical components of the eye, including the cornea, lens, pupil, and retina
2. Develop understanding of a range of ray and wave optics criteria for image quality (including diffraction, point spread function, contrast and resolution and wavefront aberrations) and their relationship with refractive errors, retinal image quality and visual acuity, including visual acuity measurement
3. Develop knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic lenses and optics, contact lens optics, lens material, and optical principles underlying the modern optical design of lenses
4. Develop detailed understanding of the optical concepts of diffraction, interference, polarization and prismatic effect and how these properties are applied in ophthalmic lenses and optical instruments used for examining the anterior and posterior segments of the eye
5. Examine the optical concepts of reflection and refraction, optical power, image formation and magnification, effectivity, accommodation, prismatic effect, diffraction, contrast sensitivity, chromatic aberration and visual acuity measurement through a series of optical experiments
6. Analyse basic scientific literature on optics and present it to peers through formal presentation