Courses · Complex Care
Administering Eye Medication
Instil eye drops and ointment correctly, avoid contaminating the bottle or the eye, and recognise the eye problems that need same-day attention.
About this certificate
This is a non-accredited module and the Certificate of Completion is not a Statement of Attainment. It supports but does not replace your employer's medication policy and competency sign-off. You may only administer eye medication that is prescribed for that participant, within the scope your employer authorises and your state or territory legislation permits.
About this module
Eye medication looks simple and is frequently done wrong — the drop lands on the cheek, the tip touches the lashes, two drops are given because the first was not seen to go in, or drops are given in the wrong order minutes apart. This module covers eye anatomy relevant to administration, the conjunctival sac technique, punctal occlusion, order and spacing of multiple preparations, ointments, contact lenses, glaucoma medication and why it must never be missed, infection control between eyes and between people, and the eye symptoms that need urgent review.
Who it is for
Support workers and SIL staff assisting participants with prescribed eye drops or ointment, including participants with glaucoma, dry eye, infection or post-operative care.
What you will be able to do
- Prepare and check eye medication against the chart and the correct eye
- Instil drops into the conjunctival sac without contaminating the bottle
- Apply eye ointment and space multiple preparations correctly
- Use punctal occlusion and explain why it matters
- Recognise eye symptoms requiring same-day or emergency review
Aligned to
- NDIS Practice Standards — Management of Medication
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care — Medication Safety Standard
- Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
Lesson plan
What the module covers
| # | Lesson | What it covers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Checks, the right eye, and preparation | Which eye, which bottle, and the checks that prevent the common errors. | 12m |
| 02 | Instilling drops and applying ointment | The conjunctival sac, punctal occlusion, spacing and ointments. | 15m |
| 03 | Conditions, adherence and what to escalate | Glaucoma, post-operative care, and the symptoms that cannot wait. | 13m |
| ✓ | Final assessment | 12 scenario-based questions · pass mark 85% · unlimited attempts | ~15m |
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