How We See the World: Visual Function and Eye Health from edX

How do we see the world? How do we see details at different viewing distances? How do we see in three dimensions? How do we see colour? How can we avoid getting cataracts or prevent short-sightedness?

This course will help you develop your understanding of vision, how visual functions relate to your daily life, and how you can better take care of your eyes. Spanning six modules, the course begins with a detailed look at the structures and functions of the eye. It then moves on to explore critical issues such as the limits of the eye’s resolution, depth perception and colour vision, before examining the impact of common eye problems on daily life and outlining strategies for improving eye health.

Engage with content and fellow learners through videos, animations, hands-on experiments and forum discussions, and check your understanding through quizzes and a short assignment at the end of each module. Learners who pursue the verified track gain access to a complete 3D eye model , virtual labs , live online sessions and personalised instructor feedback on each assignment.

This course is designed for anyone in the general public with an interest in eye care or ocular health. It is a perfect introduction for aspiring eye care professionals, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians and opticians.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify and describe the basic structures and functions of the eye
Explain and measure the resolution capability of the human eye
Explain how the two eyes and brain work together to perceive depth
Demonstrate how humans see colour by detecting different wavelengths of light

Describe how the eye and vision are affected by common eye problems, including refractive error, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration
Apply techniques to protect your eyes from preventable vision problems or blindness.
By the end of this course youll be able to:

Identify and describe the basic structures and functions of the eye
Explain and measure the resolution capability of the human eye
Explain how the two eyes and brain work together to perceive depth
Demonstrate how humans see colour by detecting different wavelengths of light
Describe how the eye and vision are affected by common eye problems, including refractive error, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration
Apply techniques to protect your eyes from preventable vision problems or blindness.
By the end of this course youll be able to:

Syllabus

Module 1: Structures and functions of the eye

Learn about the anatomy and physiology of the eye. Discover how the eye focuses and captures images of the world, and how it converts light into a signal that travels to the brain for processing. Explore the movements and shape of the eye, and the structures that help to protect it.

Module 2: The resolution of the eye

Learn about the resolution capability of the human eye and how you see fine detail. Discover the characteristics of the eye chart used to measure vision and what it means to see 20/20.

Module 3: Depth perception

Learn how the two eyes and brain work together to perceive depth and what happens when this system doesn't function properly. Discover how you perceive depth in two-dimensional photos or drawings.

Module 4: Colour vision

Learn how humans see colour by detecting different wavelengths of light. Discover what happens when you add different colours of light together. Find out how people with colour vision deficiency see the world differently.

Module 5: Common eye conditions

Explore the types of refractive error and how they can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. Learn about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of common eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Module 6: How to protect your eyes

Find out how to protect your eyes from preventable vision problems including sun damage and sports-related injuries. Learn about ways to prevent eye strain when using digital devices. Discover the methods being used to slow the progression of short-sightedness (near-sightedness) in children.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores anatomy and physiology of the eye, making it great for beginners

Covers topics highly relevant to practicing eye care professionals

Uses multi-modal media, such as videos, animations, and discussions, for engagement

Provides access to a 3D eye model and virtual labs for hands-on experience

Taught by instructors, Jessica Neuville and Lydia Yu, who are recognized in the field

Requires no prerequisites, making it suitable for those with limited background knowledge

Career center

Learners who complete How We See the World: Visual Function and Eye Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ophthalmologist

An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. They are trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye, and to perform eye surgery. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Ophthalmologist by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Optometrist

An Optometrist is a healthcare professional who provides primary eye care. They are trained to examine the eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Optometrist by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Optician

An Optician is a healthcare professional who fits and dispenses corrective lenses. They are trained to measure the eyes, determine the correct prescription for corrective lenses, and fit and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Optician by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Ophthalmic Technician

An Ophthalmic Technician is a healthcare professional who assists Ophthalmologists and Optometrists in providing eye care. They are trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as taking patient histories, performing eye exams, and assisting with eye surgery. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Ophthalmic Technician by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Vision Scientist

A Vision Scientist is a scientist who studies the visual system. They are trained to conduct research on the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye, and to develop new methods for diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders. This course can help prepare you for a career as a Vision Scientist by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Ophthalmic Photographer

An Ophthalmic Photographer is a healthcare professional who specializes in taking photographs of the eye. They are trained to use specialized equipment to capture images of the eye, which are used to diagnose and treat eye diseases and disorders. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Ophthalmic Photographer by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Ophthalmic Nurse

An Ophthalmic Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in eye care. They are trained to provide care to patients with eye diseases and disorders, and to assist Ophthalmologists and Optometrists in performing eye surgery. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Ophthalmic Nurse by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician

An Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician is a healthcare professional who helps patients select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are trained to measure the eyes, determine the correct prescription for corrective lenses, and fit and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Contact Lens Fitter

A Contact Lens Fitter is a healthcare professional who specializes in fitting contact lenses. They are trained to measure the eyes, determine the correct prescription for contact lenses, and fit and adjust contact lenses. This course can help prepare you for a career as a Contact Lens Fitter by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Eyeglass Fitter

An Eyeglass Fitter is a healthcare professional who specializes in fitting eyeglasses. They are trained to measure the eyes, determine the correct prescription for eyeglasses, and fit and adjust eyeglasses. This course can help prepare you for a career as an Eyeglass Fitter by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Medical Laboratory Technician

A Medical Laboratory Technician is a healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests to diagnose and treat diseases. They are trained to collect samples, perform tests, and analyze results. This course may be useful for preparing for a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Pharmacy Technician

A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing medications. They are trained to prepare and dispense medications, and to provide patient education. This course may be useful for preparing for a career as a Pharmacy Technician by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator is a healthcare professional who provides education and counseling to patients and the public about health issues. They are trained to develop and implement health education programs, and to provide information about healthy lifestyles. This course may be useful for preparing for a career as a Health Educator by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Medical Writer

A Medical Writer is a healthcare professional who writes and edits medical content. They are trained to write for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This course may be useful for preparing for a career as a Medical Writer by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer is a writer who specializes in writing about science. They are trained to write for a variety of audiences, including the general public, students, and scientists. This course may be useful for preparing for a career as a Science Writer by providing you with a strong foundation in the anatomy, physiology, and function of the eye. You will also learn about common eye diseases and disorders, and how to diagnose and treat them.

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