Foundations of Corneal and External Disease

Corneal and external disease covers conditions affecting the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids. Sound practice rests on understanding the anatomy, common conditions, and structured assessment. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the anatomy of the anterior segment, recognize common conditions in corneal and external disease, identify structured assessment approaches, and understand the role of imaging and laboratory testing. What you will learn: - The anatomy and physiology of the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids - Dry eye disease including assessment and classification - Conjunctivitis including infectious, allergic, and inflammatory presentations - Keratitis including infectious presentations and immune-mediated forms - Corneal dystrophies and degenerations as conceptual categories - The principles of slit-lamp examination relevant to anterior segment disease - The principles of corneal imaging including topography and tomography The course uses readings, condition summaries, case examples, and reflection questions. Each module ends with applied exercises. This course is written for optometrists, ophthalmologists, and trainees strengthening anterior segment foundations. It does not replace supervised clinical training or specialty mentorship. By the end you will have a structured foundation in corneal and external disease.