The following 400-level courses may be taken in the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy programs in Physiological Optics.
400 Sensory Processes and Perception (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required for graduate students not in Physiological Optics. Current views on the encoding of various aspects of the visual stimulus (intensity, space, time, and wavelength) that give rise to the perceptions of brightness, contour, motion, and color will be considered in this course. The psychophysical tools available to examine visual encoding will be emphasized. Other topics will include binocular vision and depth perception, information processing approaches to visual pattern recognition, and the similarities and interactions of the visual system with the other sensory modalities.
401 Visual Optics (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 406, Opt 505, or consent of instructor. This course deals with the optical properties of the eye. Included are a review of general optics including physical optics, paraxial and nonparaxial geometric optics, image quality, radiometry and photometry, and optical instrumentation. Topics in visual optics will include schematic eyes, measurement of the parameters of the eye, accommodation, retinal image size, refractive errors, visual axes, spectral absorption by the ocular media, and the optical performance of the eye.
402 Ocular Anatomy and Physiology (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required for graduate students not in Physiological Optics. The structures and fluids of the eye and orbit, their interactions and functions are considered in this course. Specific topics include the eyelids, tearfilm, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, ciliary body, vasculature, aqueous humor, vitreous body, and the retina.
403 Psychophysical Methods and Experimental Design (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required for graduate students not in Physiological Optics. Advanced methodology for the design and analysis of experiments in a variety of areas of visual science are considered in this course. Both basic and applied topics will be considered. Special emphasis will be placed on psychophysical methodology, signal detection analysis, and scaling techniques.
404 Sensory Neuroscience (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 405, Opt 504, or consent of instructor. This course will deal with the neural organization of the sensory systems with an emphasis on vision. It will include a review of general neurophysiology and neuroanatomy as they relate to the processing of environmental stimuli into neural information, as well as experimental approaches utilized in neurobiology. Topics to be covered include neural transduction and sensory coding by receptors and neurons, constraints on perception defined by the functional organization of the nervous system, sensory development and plasticity as related to neural development, and evolution of sensory systems.
405 Neuroanatomy (5)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Detailed gross and microscopic anatomy of the human central nervous system with a special emphasis on the cranial nerves, nuclei, and the visual system. Students may not receive credit for both Opt 405 and Opt 504.
406 Geometric Optics (5)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The principles of geometrical optics as applied to refracting and reflecting surfaces, thin lenses, thick lenses, and lens systems. The optics of various ophthalmic instruments and techniques will be examined. A student may not receive credit for both Opt 406 and Opt 505.
451 Corneal Physiology (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor.
A detailed consideration of the biochemical and biophysical aspects of corneal transparency, including nutrition, metabolism, and methods of investigation. The effects of altered corneal environments (such as exist during sleep or contact lens wear) will be discussed.
452 Growth and Development of the Visual System (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. This course will be an indepth coverage of topics related to the growth and development of the visual system, including visual deprivation, neuronal specificity and plasticity, and neurotrophic influences.
453 Advanced Physiology of Other Sensory Systems (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. This course will deal with the structure and function of the auditory, vestibular, olfactory, and somatosensory systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on similarities and interrelationships between these senses and vision.
454 Binocular Vision (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. Binocular fusion and summation, binocular rivalry and suppression, and stereopsis and depth perception are the major topics of the course. The neurophysiology of binocular vision, and its development will also be covered in the course.
455 Visual Information Processing (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. This course covers a variety of topics related to the computer modeling of visual problems, such as the detection of surfaces and threedimensionality, the perception of color, and the encoding of motion. Computer models will be evaluated in terms of their efficiency, veridicality, and relation to biology.
456 Oculomotor Systems (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. The intra and extraocular muscle systems illustrate the role of visual and other sensory information in feedback control systems. Topics include the control of eye movements, accommodation and pupil size, and their synkinetic relationship in the near triad. The anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of the muscles, kinematics, methods of measuring eye movements, neurophysiology of eye movements, and perceptual phenomena are also discussed.
457 Comparative and Evolutionary Aspects of Vision (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. This course explores the evolution of visual systems by examination of structural and functional aspects of vision in vertebrate and invertebrate species. Topics include photosensitivity and photoreception; structure of the eye in vertebrates and invertebrates; discrimination of form, motion, and color; visual reflexes, parallel processing; elaboration of central visual pathways; binocular vision; and stereopsis. Structural and functional adaptations to selective pressure will also be discussed.
458 Noninvasive Assessment of the Visual System (2)
Prerequisite: Completion of core or consent of instructor. This course reviews historical topics and emphasizes current topics in the noninvasive clinical and laboratory assessment of the normal and diseased human visual system. Topics will range from delineation of disease mechanisms (such as retinal and choroidal disorders, cataract, corneal disease, glaucoma, strabismus, and amblyopia) to the design and assessment of new techniques and technology for evaluating the function of the visual system (e.g., advances in imaging techniques, fluorophotometry, perimetry, laser interferometry, psychophysics, etc.).
459 Introduction to Computer Programming for Vision Research (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required for graduate students not in Physiological Optics. This course will expose the student to fundamental concepts of computer programming. The Prograph programming language will be used on the Macintosh computer to illustrate procedural and objectoriented programming philosophies. Examples and assignments will focus upon research applications in vision science.
470 Individual Studies in Physiological Optics (2)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course designation can be used to cover a variety of topics in visual science. In general, very specific topics of limited interest will be presented as individual studies. Individual studies and advanced topics enable the student's course of study to be sharply tuned to his or her major area of interest.
490 Graduate Research in Physiological Optics (115)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Research in an area selected by the student in consultation with faculty members. May be taken to a maximum of 10 hours for the M.S. and 15 hours for the Ph.D.
497 Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care (2)
(Same as Gerontology 497.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Interdisciplinary approaches that address the medical and social needs of the elderly will be examined. Information about geriatric care and social issues affecting the wellbeing of older adults will be provided. Clinical, theoretical, and educational perspectives will be presented.
499 Current Topics in Optometry and Vision Science (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This seminar course examines and analyzes current publications in eye care and vision research. May be taken as an optometry elective to a maximum of 3 hours.
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The following 500-level courses are taken in the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program.
504 Neuroanatomy (4)
Detailed gross and microscopic anatomy of the human central nervous system with a special emphasis on the cranial nerves, nuclei, and the visual system.
505 Geometric Optics (4)
The principles of geometrical optics as applied to refracting and reflecting surfaces, thin lenses, thick lenses, and lens systems. The optics of various ophthalmic instruments and techniques will be examined.
506 Practice Management I (2)
An introduction to the profession of optometry, including a consideration of the characteristics of a profession, the history of optometry, the profession's legal limitations, and major optometric organizations. The ethical basis of the practice of optometry will be explored, including a consideration of the theories and principles of normative ethics, biomedical ethics and the responsibilities of the health care practitioner, professional codes of ethics and ethical issues that arise in the practice of optometry. Ethical case studies will be extensively used. This is an interactive course, requiring active participation on the part of the student.
508 Human Anatomy and Physiology (6)
The general anatomy of the human body and the physiology of the major organ systems including the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and reproductive systems will be presented. The anatomy of the head and neck will be emphasized and the histology of the basic tissue types and organs will be related to general human anatomy and physiology. (Five hours lecture, two hours laboratory/week.)
512 Biochemistry (3)
Basic concepts of general and cellular biochemistry. Study of nomenclature structure, and reactions of organic molecules. Some emphasis on visual system—tears, intraocular fluids, lens, and photochemistry.
513 Physical Optics and Photometry (2)
Prerequisite: Optometry 505. Basic photometric concepts, measurements of light levels, applications in erg514 Clinical Optometry I (2) Selected tests for ocular assessment including case history, visual acuity, and ophthalmoscopy.
515 Ocular Optics (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 505. The eye as an imageforming mechanism, the schematic eyes, the optical role of the pupil, the retinal image and its evaluation. Nature, classification, and etiology of ametropia. Experimental models of refractive errors. Entoptic phenomena. Mechanism and optical aspects of accommodation.
516 Physiological Optics Laboratory (1)
Experiments designed to accompany Opt 515 and Opt 517.
517 Ocular Motility (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 504. The anatomy, physiology, neurology, measurement, characteristics, and control of the intra and extraocular system.
518 Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye (5)
Prerequisite: Opt 504 and Opt 508. Vegetative anatomy and physiology of the eye, optic nerve, orbit, and adnexa will be discussed. This includes discussion of embryology and the dynamics of ocular fluids and includes a twohour laboratory.
519 Physical Optics and Photometry Laboratory (1)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Opt 513. Experiments designed to accompany Opt 513.
520 Ophthalmic Optics (4)
Prerequisite: Opt 513, 515, & 519. Ophthalmic materials, physical characteristics of lenses and frames, paraxial optics of opthalmic lenses, ophthalmic prisms, lens specifications, special lenses, multifocal lenses, unique designs, aniseikonic lenses, abberation theory and its application to lens design, lenses for low vision, protective eyewear, selection and dispensing eyewear, management of a dispensary.
521 Clinical Optometry II (5)
Prerequisite: Opt 514. Continuation of clinical optometry. Patient care in the areas of refraction, binocular integration, perimetry, and bimicroscopy.
522 Systemic Disease (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 508 & 512. Principles of health and disease. A survey of disease, disease processes, and disease manifestations. A study of tissue changes in inflammation, immunology, neoplasia, allergies, disturbances of metabolism and circulation, and injuries.
524 Monocular Sensory Processes (5)
Monocular sensory mechanisms of vision, photoreception, visual neurophysiology, spatial and temporal effects, visual acuity and resolution, adaptation, brightness discrimination, and color vision. Topics include a consideration of both the psychophysical aspects and neurophysiological bases of these mechanisms.
530 Ophthalmic Dispensing (1)
Prerequisite: Opt 520. Clinical experience in verification and dispensing of ophthalmic materials.
531 Clinical Optometry III (5)
Prerequisite: Opt 521. Correlation and analysis of optometric data. Emphasis on diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of visual problems.
532 Binocular Vision and Space Perception (4)
Prerequisite: Opt 521 and 524 or consent of instructor. Binocular vision and space perception. Visual direction, theory of correspondence, fusion, rivalry, ocular dominance, and stereopsis. Developmental aspects and neurophysiological mechanisms.
533 Ocular Disease I (4)
Prerequisite: Opt 522. The etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and course sequelae of ocular disease and anomalies. Disease and anomalies of lids, orbit, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera, iris, ciliary body, lens, vitreous, retina, choroid, and optic nerve.
535 Epidemiology (2)
A review of descriptive statistics, probability sampling, correlation, and prediction. The essentials of epidemiological study procedures and a discussion of the epidemiology of vision disorders.
541 Practice Management II (2)
Prerequisite: Opt 506. Principles of human interpersonal relationships. The enhancement of listening and verbal skills will be provided. Emphasis will be preparing the student to understand and manage the many human interpersonal relationships necessary in the practice of optometry.
550 General Clinic I (6)
Prerequisite: Opt 531 and successful completion of all first and second year coursework required. The clinical examination and care of general clinic patients, along with the fitting and dispensing of lenses and frames.
553 Contact Lenses I (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 531. Historical development of the contact lens and its use. Basic lens terminology, specifications, physiochemical characteristics, optics, fabrication, and verification. Preliminary patient evaluation, indications and contraindications for contact lenses. Basic fitting philosophies for all lens types. Lens care and patient education. Patient and practice management considerations.
554 Binocular Vision Anomalies (4)
Prerequisite: Opt 531 & 532 or consent of instructor. The etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and course sequelae of the obstacles to binocular vision—sensory, integrative, and motor. The detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and orthoptic treatment of such anomalies. Clinical care of aniseikonias.
555 General Pharmacology (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 508 and 522. General principles of drug actions on the organ systems, central and peripheral nervous systems, methods of administration, pharmacological actions, side effects, and drug interactions. Regulatory agencies, laws, and drug abuse.
556 Ocular Disease II (4)
Prerequisite: Opt 533. The etiology, epidemiology, systems, signs, course sequelae and management of posterior segment ocular disease and the anomalies and ocular manifestations of systemic diseases. Disease, abnormalities and management of neurological conditions which affect the lids, pupils, extraocular muscles, optic nerve and visual system.
557 Environmental Vision (2)
This course considers the relationship of the eye and vision to all aspects of one's environment including home, work, recreation, and transportation. Emphasis will be placed on protecting the eye from injury and maximizing vision performance.
558 Geriatric Optometry (2)
(Same as Gerontology 458.) Special examination and management considerations of the geriatric patient will be discussed. Psychological, physiological, social, and demographic aspects of aging, as well as ocular changes associated with the aging process will be taught.
559 Ophthalmic Lasers (1)
Principles and applications of lasers for ophthalmic use. Emphasis will be placed on demonstration where possible. Topics will include the principles, physics and safety concerns of ophthalmic lasers. Lasers used in retinal imaging, and in the care of glaucoma, cataract, refractive conditions, and cosmetic conditions will be discussed and demonstrated. Comanagement of patients requiring ophthalmic laser treatment will also be covered.
560 General Clinic II (6)
Prerequisite: Opt 550 and successful completion of all Fall semester third year coursework required. Same as General Clinic I.
561 Pediatric/Binocular Vision Specialty Clinic (1)
Prerequisite: Opt 554 and successful completion of all Fall semester third year coursework required. The clinical examination and care of patients in the optometric specialty areas of binocular vision and pediatric vision.
562 Contact Lens Specialty Clinic (1)
Prerequisite: Opt 553 and successful completion of all Fall semester third year coursework required. The clinical examination and care of patients in the optometric specialty area of contact lenses.
563 Contact Lenses II (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 553. Advanced contact lens fitting, theories, and clinical methods for astigmatic, presbyopic, keratoconic, and aphakic designs. Special considerations include the use of corneal topography, orthokeratology, disposable lenses, lenses for extended wear and lenses for color deficiencies.
564 Low Vision (3)
The etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and course sequelae of lowvision problems. Methods of testing, prognosis, selection of therapy, design of environmental and optical aids, problems of rehabilitation. Agencies, laws, public and social assistance for the partially sighted and blind.
565 Ocular Pharmacology (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 555. Pharmacology principles, methods of administration, doses, contraindications, and adverse effects of drugs used for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the eye, adnexa and visual system. Ocular manifestations of systemic medications.
566 Ocular Assessment (1)
Prerequisite: Enrollment in General Clinic I or II. Discussion of the diagnosis and managment of common clinic patient encounters via Socratic teaching techniques. Interns are encouraged to present actual cases which have been particularly challenging for them.
567 Pediatric Optometry (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 531. Special examination and management considerations of the pediatric patient. Psychological, physiological, social, and demographic aspects of early visual development. Discussion of the optometric considerations of children with learning and reading disabilities.
568 Clinical Medicine (2)
Prerequisite: Opt 522 and 555. Diagnostic principles and medical management. Comprehensive health history, physical examination and neurological screening with particular association to ocular health conditions. Clinical chemistry and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests, criteria for referral to other providers and emergency office procedures. Comanagement practice with other primary care physicians will be emphasized.
569 Ocular Photography (2)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Optical principles and clinical techniques in photographing the internal and external eye and its adnexa. Includes laboratory exercises on use of the most common types of clinical cameras.
570 External Rotation in General Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of a general population of optometric patients at external sites approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
571 Community Service Rotation in Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of patients at St. Louis area community health centers. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
572 East St. Louis Center Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of patients at the East St. Louis Eye Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
573 UMSt. Louis Pediatric/Binocular Vision Patient Care (3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of patients in pediatric/binocular vision clinic at the University of MissouriSt. Louis Center for Eyecare. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with Opt 574 and Opt 575.
574 UM-St. Louis Contact Lens Patient Care (3)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care in the contact lens clinic at the University of MissouriSt. Louis Center for Eyecare. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with Opt 573 and Opt 575.
575 UM-St. Louis CoManagement Patient Care (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care in the comanagement clinic with ophthalmologists at the University of MissouriSt. Louis Center for Eyecare. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with Opt 573 and Opt 574.
576 Optometric Center Patient Care (6)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of patients at the University of MissouriSt. Louis Optometric Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with Opt 577.
577 Optometric Center CoManagement Patient Care (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of patients in the comanagement clinic with ophthalmologists at the University of MissouriSt. Louis Optometric Center. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation. This course must be taken in conjunction with Opt 576.
578 External Rotation in Contact Lens Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of contact lens patients at an external site approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
579 External Rotation in Pediatric/Binocular Vision Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of pediatric/binocular vision patients at an external site approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
580 Supplementary Rotation in General Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of general population of optometric patients at an external site approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This elective may also be taken at the UMSt. Louis Center for Eye Care, UMSt. Louis Optometric Center, or the UMSt. Louis East St. Louis Eye Center.
582 Practice Management III (3)
Prerequisites: Opt 506 and Opt 541. The development and management of an optometric practice from a patient and community service point of view—office design, office routine, patient care administration, personnel management, and recall systems. The establishment, development, and management of an optometric practice from a business point of view. Legal developments, governmental relationships, legislation and the legislative process, malpractice, professional ethics, taxes, fee structures, insurance, and accounting methods.
583 Practice Management IV (2)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Further indepth discussion in practice management.
585 External Rotation in Ocular Disease Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of patients with ocular disease at external sites approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
586 External Rotation in Institutional Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of primary care patients at external sites approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
587 Sports Vision (2)
Special examination and management considerations of the competitive athlete. This elective course includes a study of the special visual requirements and demands resulting from athletic endeavors.
588 Directed Research (3)
Credit is given for independent research. Projects may be laboratory, library, or clinically based research in any area of vision science. All projects must be undertaken under the supervision of a threemember faculty committee. This elective may be repeated once.
589 Directed Readings (1)
Credit is given for independent literature review of a specific topic in any area of basic or clinical vision science. Readings are to be supervised by a twoperson faculty committee and at least one member of this committee must be selected from among the fulltime regular faculty. Credit is awarded upon approval of a written paper regarding the selected topic. This elective may be repeated once.
591 Geriatric Patient Care Delivery (36)
Prerequisite: Consent of Geriatric Residency Instructors. Direct optometric patient care to a population that is largely geriatric. Emphasis will be on integrating specialty care available for these patients to provide comprehensive vision care. Two hours of direct patient care per week are required per hour of credit. In addition, the student will attend weekly supervisory meetings. May be repeated with consent of instructor for a total of 18 credits. Patient care will become more independent of direct supervision and the type of patients seen will be more varied with each repeat.
592 External Rotation in Low Vision Patient Care (7)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Comprehensive clinical care of low vision patients at an external site approved by the School of Optometry's Externship Council. This course fulfills one of the clinic courses required for graduation.
593 Clinic Seminar (1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first, second, and third year coursework required. Presentation and discussion of interesting clinical patients. Additional clinical testing techniques and concepts. Further discussion of patient data analysis—the process of determining diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Further discussions in the optometric specialties.
594 Topics in Geriatric Optometry (3)
Prerequisite: Opt 558. This course will address concerns and options in providing optometric care to a geriatric population. New techniques, research, and public policy changes will be discussed to assist students in assembling a global perspective on delivering health care to a specific population.
595 Computer Applications in Optometric Practice (2)
(elective) Prerequisite: Second professional year or consent of instructor. An introduction to microcomputers and computerized office management systems. This course is designed to provide students with training in the use of computers, office management software, and microprocessor technology in an optometric office.
596 Public Health (2)
A review of local, state, and federal organizations involved in health care, comprehensive health planning, new trends in health care delivery, and the assessment of the quality of health care delivery. The relationship of vision care to these topics is emphasized.
598 Clinical Applications of Current Topics in Visual Science (2)
(elective) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. A seminar on the use of new discoveries in visual science in clinical optometry. Students will participate in selecting the topics, which will change from year to year, with the guidance of the instructor. The course will also include laboratory demonstrations of seminar topics.
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