No CPD Points
In the first episode of DOCET’s new podcasts Sound Optometry we explore how patients with ocular allergy get clinical advice and treatment. We hear from a community pharmacist who is often the first port of call for an allergy sufferer before Michelle Hanratty discusses ocular allergy in more detail with IP optometrist Dr Peter Frampton.
Topics: Allergic conjunctivitis, Seasonal and perennial allergy, Topical medications and contact lenses, Effective history taking, Remote consultations, Allergy vs adverse reaction.
Area of interest: Independent prescribing
No CPD Points
In the second episode of Sound Optometry, we hear about a clinical scenario where papilloedema was detected in a young girl. Michelle Hanratty then discusses the topic of papilloedema, its presentation, causes and potential treatment with consultant neuro-ophthalmologist Naz Raoof.
Topics: Communication, Neuro-ophthalmology, Optic disc anomalies, Papilloedema, OCT.
Area of interest: MECS
No CPD Points
In the third episode of Sound Optometry, Michelle Hanratty is joined by Stephen Lash, Consultant Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, and Roshni Kanabar, Clinical and Regulatory Advisor for the Association of Optometrists (AOP), to discuss how to manage suspected retinal detachment.
Topics: Retinal tear, Retinal detachment, Flashes and floaters, Posterior vitreous detachment, Record keeping, Communication, Referrals.
No CPD Points
In this episode of Sound Optometry, optometrist Robert Longhurst reports an increased incidence of viral conjunctivitis-related red eye during lockdown and Consultant Ophthalmologist David Lockington explores the investigation and management of acute red eye.
Topics: Red eye, Viral conjunctivitis, Microbial keratitis, Contact lens complications, Independent prescribing, Emergency referrals.
No CPD Points
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.
No CPD Points
In this episode of Sound Optometry Michelle speaks to Arijit Mitra, Consultant Ophthalmologist about his personal experience with cataract and Ajai Tyagi, who gives insight from a surgical viewpoint. The episode concludes with some advice from both surgeons on the referral and postoperative care of cataract patients.
Topics: Cataract, Referrals, Patient communication, Monovision.
No CPD Points
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.
No CPD Points
Domains: Clinical practice, Communication
In this episode, Michelle Hanratty talks to Optometrist Yahya Vali about the detection of keratoconus in routine practice and discusses the referral and treatment options for keratoconic patients with Consultant Ophthalmologist Damian Lake, as well as some key information about detecting keratoconus as early as possible.
Topics: Keratoconus, Crosslinking, Corneal transplant, Retinoscopy, Keratometry, Referrals, Corneal Topography.
No CPD Points
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.
No CPD Points
Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism
In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the presentation and optometric management of vitreomacular disorders that may be encountered in everyday practice with Mr Kam Balaggan, consultant vitreoretinal and cataract surgeon. Further investigation of epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction and macula holes are explored along with key considerations for referral urgency.
Topics: Vitreomacular conditions, OCT, Epiretinal membrane, Vitreomacular traction, Macula holes, Referrals.
No CPD Points
Following on from our previous referrals special, this programme aims to show how pathways are developing at both national and local level and includes interviews with key players in developing new approaches to primary care management of eye disease.
Topics: Referral, NICE, Cataracts, AMD, Glaucoma, Local protocol, Emergency, Urgent, Fast-track, Record keeping, Secondary care, Refinement, Filtering, Ocular hypertension, NHS contracted services.
Area of interest: MECS
No CPD Points
This audio programme discusses three areas where recent developments may improve the detection and management of ocular disease - namely selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment, high energy light impulse therapy and macular pigment screening.
Topics: Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension, Laser treatment, Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), Therapeutic management, Specialist glaucoma services, Dry eye disease, Lid margin therapy, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Telangiectasia, Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, Macular pigments, Maculopathy, Macular degeneration, Pigment density, Haidinger's brushes, Macular screening.
No CPD Points
This audio programme discusses three areas where recent research or guideline changes may improve the detection and management of ocular disease - namely Acanthamoeba keratitis, myopia therapy with low-dose atropine and screening for maculopathy due to the systemic use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
Topics: Acanthamoeba keratitis, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Adverse side effects, Systemic drugs, Maculopathy, Low-dose atropine, Myopia, Myopia therapy, Contact lenses
Area of interest: Independent prescribing
No CPD Points
This audio programme discusses the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optometry, how it is already incorporated into optometric techniques, how it may support clinical management and referral and how new technologies may be able to support the practitioner in interpreting clinical data.
Topics: Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, Clinical management, Referrals, Glaucoma referral refinement, OCT, Bayesian algorithm.
Area of interest: Independent Prescribing
No CPD Points
This audio programme discusses the very latest in retinal screening techniques and focuses on techniques helping in the early detection of glaucoma, vascular changes, and neuronal degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Topics: Glaucoma, DARC, Alzheimer's Disease, Sight loss, Retina.
Area of interest: Independent Prescribing
No CPD Points
The initial results of Age‐Related Eye Disease Study 2, or AREDS 2, were announced in May 2013. In this interview Hugh Breakspear speaks to John Lawrenson, Professor of Clinical Optometry at City University, about AREDS 2 and discusses the implications of the reported findings for optometrists and patients.
Topics: AMD, Supplements, Vitamins, Diet, Minerals, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3, Macular degeneration.
No CPD Points
Rupert Bourne has been raising awareness about a form of Glaucoma especially common in East Asia. Here he compares the disease to other forms of Glaucoma and discusses the treatment options.
Topics: CAG, Open angle, Gonioscopy, POAG, Neuropathy, Optic nerve, Blind, Visual impairment, Asia.
No CPD Points
Paul Constable talks to Philip Morgan about the different forms of ASD and about how the condition can make it difficult for patients to receive an eye examination. Paul and Philip discuss best practice principles optometrists can follow and ways in which clearer guidance can be given to optometrists in future.
Topics: Disability, Autism, Gaze, Asperger's syndrome, Communication, Language, Eye movements, Saccades, Convergence.
No CPD Points
In the UK, about 4-500 children every year are diagnosed with brain tumours. In this interview, David Cartwright, talks to Professor David Walker, a Paediatric Oncologist at the University of Nottingham, and Clinical Lead of the HeadSmart campaign about the role optometrists can play in identifying these children.
Topics: Headsmart, Cancer, Referral, Intracranial pressure, Headaches, Vomiting, Amblyopia, Squint, Nystagmus, Eye movements.
No CPD Points
A dermatologist discusses the adverse ocular side effects of anti-malarial medications used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and the duty of care regarding adnexal and facial skin lesions.
First published in DOCET OQ91 (2014).
Topics: Drugs, Malignant, Skin lesions, Adnexa.