16. International ophthalmology

Graduate Diploma in International Ophthalmology

(GradDipIOphth) KF048

Master of International Ophthalmology

(MIOphth) KC069

Overview

International Ophthalmology focuses on the specific training needs of clinicians in the developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region, but is not limited to these countries.It provides them the skills to competently practice ophthalmology at the highest possible standard with an emphasis on the specific diseases and pathologies of their home countries.

Students will gain practical skills including knowledge on the prognosis and management of common eye conditions, diseases and injuries to the eye.The course provides the opportunity for extensive practical experience, including performing ophthalmic surgery and management of post-operative complications.

Clinical and basic sciences are taught online and local and visiting mentors provide valuable clinical teaching and supervision in the student's working environment.

Admission

Admission requires a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Sydney or other approved institution. Students who have completed a Graduate Diploma in International Ophthalmology may be able to enrol and gain a master's degree.

Structure

The graduate diploma is embedded in the master’s degree (see the explanation of embedded degrees in chapter 8).

The majority of the degree is in the form of distance learning.

Each of the following core units of study (Ophthalmic Anatomy, Ophthalmology in Developing Countries 1 and 2, Clinical Ophthalmology 1 and 2) requires one semester of study to complete and is taught via the internet.

The method of assessment will be based on assignments (three assignments set every three weeks), problem based learning modules and online participation.

Students will also be required to sit a final examination for Clinical Ophthalmology 2, consisting of both written and practical components in their country of work.

Surgical Ophthalmology requires one semester of study to complete and is taught via the internet. The method of assessment will be based on problem based learning modules and online participation. Students will also be required to sit a final examination consisting of both written and practical components in their country of work.

The Practical Ophthalmic Science unit of study is offered once each year in November/December in Sydney, Australia.

Students enrolled in this unit of study are required to attend a 3-week full time course (3x5 days) held at the Save Sight Institute, Sydney Eye Hospital, and the Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Sydney, Australia.

At the end of each week there will be an observed clinical exam. Students will need to pass all three exams to pass this unit of study.

To gain the master's with honours, the candidate is expected to produce a dissertation of 8–40,000 words based on a research project undertaken during one semester, under the guidance of a suitable supervisor.

The graduate diploma comprises four core units of study and 6 credit points of electives (see table of core units of study below and chapter 31 for unit of study details).

The master’s degree comprises seven core units of study (see table of core units of study below and chapter 31 for unit of study details).

To qualify for the master’s degree with honours, students must obtain a weighted average mark of 70 per cent in all 48 credit points of coursework and successfully complete an additional 12 credit point research dissertation (ie 60 credit points of units of study in total), in which students undertake a supervised individual project in an area of interest and report the outcomes in a dissertation.

Students are only able to enrol in the dissertation if they have achieved a weighted average mark of 70 per cent in their first 24 credit points of coursework and have the permission of the course coordinator.

International ophthalmology core units of study

Further enquiries

Ms Eleanor Viney
Phone: +61 2 9382 7284
Fax: +61 2 9382 7318
Email: