Lesson 1: Welcome to the module

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This course builds on foundation material covered in the “Ophthalmic Epidemiology: Part 1. Basic Principles”. We do recommend that learners start with part 1 but this is not essential if you have an understanding of the main epidemiological concepts such as prevalence and incidence.

Over 4 sessions, we’ll critically analyse the different features of the main epidemiological study designs and how they are used to address different research questions in eye health.

To make the course relevant as possible, we use a number of real-life eye care studies from around the world.

We start session 1 by examining how the cross-sectional study design is used in eye care using the example of cataract blindness.

In session 2 we look at how epidemiology has revealed key risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and explore the use of case-control study designs for AMD.

Session 3 is devoted to principles of cohort studies and how they are used to study the epidemiology of chronic diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
And in the final session, we examine the epidemiology of the glaucomas and how randomised controlled trials are applied for this disease. We conclude by taking some time to think about how you might take your interest in epidemiology and eye health forward.

Because this a self-directed course, you are in charge of when and how much time you spend on it. We recommend you try and set aside a regular time in your schedule when you can work undisturbed through the material. Remember you can download the content as well.

Understanding the distribution and causes of eye disease in different groups of people is vital for ending avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

Thank you for joining us and I hope you enjoy your journey through the course!