Specialty Contact Lenses in Modern Optometry Practice

This course provides an in-depth understanding of specialty contact lenses used in modern optometric practice, including Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP), Scleral, Hybrid, and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses. The course focuses on lens design, material properties, optical principles, fitting philosophies, patient selection criteria, and clinical applications.

No Certificate / Course on Audit Track

About Course

The Specialty Contact Lenses in Modern Optometry Practice course provides an advanced understanding of specialized contact lens modalities used in contemporary optometric care. The course explores Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP), Scleral, Hybrid, and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, with a strong focus on their design principles, material characteristics, and optical performance.

Students will learn the clinical rationale behind specialty lens selection, including fitting philosophies, patient evaluation, and indications for various corneal and refractive conditions. Emphasis is placed on practical application, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making to prepare learners for real-world optometric practice and advanced contact lens management.

Authorship and Attribution

This course has been curated by Riphah International University faculty and staff using publicly available third-party content and Open Educational Resources (OER) for self-paced learning. Learners will engage with curated open-access materials to achieve the course learning outcomes. All third-party content is used under open-access or fair-use policies, while any original materials are developed specifically for this learning experience.

Source and Credits 1:

  • Instructor: drnataliechai
  • Provider: YouTube (@drnataliechai5551)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

Source and Credits 2:

  • Instructor: Specialty Lens Consultants
  • Provider: YouTube (@specialtylensconsultants2979)
  • License: Standard YouTube license

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the design principles and material properties of Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP), Scleral, Hybrid, and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses.
  • Apply fitting philosophies and evaluation techniques for RGP, Scleral, Hybrid, and Ortho-K lenses using clinical assessment methods.
  • Select appropriate candidates for specialty contact lenses based on refractive error, corneal profile, and lifestyle requirements.

Prerequisites

To be successful in this course, learners should have a background in:

  • Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, particularly corneal structure and tear film dynamics.
  • Geometrical and Physiological Optics, including refractive error correction and basic optical principles.
  • Basic Contact Lens Practice, including soft contact lens fitting, lens parameters (base curve, diameter, power), and routine evaluation techniques.
  • Clinical Refraction Techniques, including retinoscopy, subjective refraction, and over-refraction.

Corneal Assessment Methods, such as keratometry and basic corneal topography interpretation.

Who Can Take This Course?

This course is designed for undergraduate optometry students (3rd or 4th year), who wish to expand their clinical expertise in specialty contact lenses. It is particularly beneficial for learners who have foundational knowledge of basic contact lens fitting and want to develop advanced skills in RGP, scleral, hybrid, and orthokeratology lens practice.

The course will support students preparing for clinical rotations, those aiming to establish specialty contact lens services in their practice, and optometrists seeking to enhance patient care through modern specialty lens modalities.

Course Outline

Fundamentals of RGP lenses

Introduction to RGP Lens Design and Clinical Application (Video)

Insertion and Removal Techniques for Scleral Lenses

Insertion and Removal Procedures for Scleral Contact Lenses (Video)

Hybrid Contact Lenses: Design and Clinical Application

Fitting Principles and Handling of Hybrid Lenses (Video)

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: Theory and Clinical Application

Principles and Practice of Orthokeratology for Myopia Control (Video)

Skills You Will Gain

Specialty Lens Design Analysis Clinical Fitting Techniques Patient Selection & Evaluation Optical Principle Application Advanced Contact Lens Management

Course Information

Duration

Approximately 1 Hour

Course Information

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Learning Mode

Fully Online (Asynchronous)

Learning Type

Self Paced

Language

English Only

Instructor/Curator

Course Instructor
  • Huma Murtaza profile image
    Huma Murtaza Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Rehabilitation & Allied Health Sciences