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The focus of this episode of Sound Optometry is wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) where Michelle Hanratty explores the referral, investigation and management of wet AMD with consultant ophthalmologist Rupal Morjaria

Topics: Medical retina, Age-related macular degeneration, Referrals, Retinitis pigmentosa, Patient communication, Gene therapy.

In this episode, we hear about a clinical scenario where a case of idiopathic intracranial hypertension led to severe visual symptoms and bilateral optic disc swelling. Michelle then recaps the key features of papilloedema, its presentation and causes with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Denize Atan before looking at the differential diagnoses. The second part of the episode concentrates on the unilateral causes of optic disc swelling.

Topics: Optic disc drusen, Optic disc swelling, Optic neuritis, Optic neuropathy, Papilloedema, Referrals.

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores the risk of glaucoma being undetected in those patients that have undergone laser vision correction with consultant ophthalmologist Imran Masood. Paddy Gunn, hospital optometrist, explains how to approach borderline cases to ensure appropriate referral and how to reassure patients that have not had their routine glaucoma monitoring appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Laser vision correction.

Domains: Clinical Practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses sudden loss of vision with hospital optometrists Helen Wilson and Amanda Harding, including the presentation and optometric management of retinal vascular occlusions, differential diagnosis, appropriate triage and referrals. The episode concludes with the clinical signs optometrists need to look out for when examining a patient with a history of a vascular occlusion.

Topics: Sudden loss of vision, Retinal artery occlusion, Retail vein occlusion, Giant Cell Arteritis, Arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy, Amaurosis Fugax, Stroke.

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication, Specialty CPD (IP)

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses corneal and ocular surface disease in children, including vernal keratoconjunctivitis and blepharokeratoconjunctivitis, with Mr Michael O’Gallagher.

Topics: Red eye, Ocular inflammation, Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Ocular allergy, Paediatric corneal disease, Independent prescribing.

Domains: Clinical Practice, Professionalism, Specialty CPD (IP) 

In this episode we hear from David about his journey with dry eye disease, its effect on his career and his mental health, and how his optometrist and specialist dry eye practitioner Sarah Farrant managed it. Professor Sai Kolli from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham then joins Michelle Hanratty to explain how optometrists in the community can help prevent patients from getting to the stages of severe dry eye disease. 

Topics: Mental health, Well-being, Communication, Side effects, Systemic drugs, Dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Ocular surface inflammation, Independent prescribing.

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode we first hear a patient case study; later, Patrick Gunn reflects on how his professional development and training has led to a specialist qualification in glaucoma. The second part of the podcast answers some of the questions asked by the glaucoma webinar attendees and delves into optic disc interpretation in detail. Presenter Michelle Hanratty and Patrick discuss the early signs to look out for in glaucomatous discs and how these relate to other findings such as OCT and visual fields.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Monitoring pathways, Optic disc, OCT, Visual fields.