Advances in Eyecare: Reviewing the Evidence
No CET Points





This edition of Advances in Eyecare includes interviews with top academics considering the best way to interpret the published literature and evidence base that may influence the way we practice optometry. It introduces the new TFOS DEWS II report into dry eye disease.
Topics: Dry eye disease, Cochrane, TFOS DEWS II, Omega 3, Craig, Bias, Literature review, Barrett, RCT, Critical appraisal tools.
Area of interest: Independent Prescribing
Advances in Eyecare: Referrals
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An in-depth exploration of the referrals process in the UK, hosted by BBC presenter John Waite. We travel the length and breadth of the country, interviewing practitioners and policy makers, to find out how the referrals process works across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Topics: Referral, Emergency, Urgent, Fast-track, Routine, Record keeping, Secondary care, Flashes and floaters, Detachment, Cataract, Wet AMD, Glaucoma, Amblyopia, Strabismus, Binocular Vision, Orthoptics, Local protocol, NICE.
Area of interest: MECS
Decontamination of Contact Devices
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In 2011 Professor John Lawrenson was involved in interpreting the new recommendations on decontamination published by the Department of Health and drafting the new College guidance. Here he speaks to Hugh Breakspear about the updated guidelines and what they mean for practising optometrists.
Topics: Hygiene, Sterilisation, Health, vCJD, Tonometer, Contact lens, BSE, Prion, Gonioscope, Trial lenses, Infection, Bleach.
No CET Points
This discussion is on the subject of an electronic referral system that has radically sped up the referral process for optometrists in Fife. Olivia’s first interview is with Dr Roshini Sanders who has been involved with the development of the system, she then speaks to Colin Ferrier, one of the first optometrists to use the system in his practice.
Topics: Hospital, GP, Ophthalmologist, Images, Clinic, Urgent, Emergency, Routine, Paperless, Photo, Consultant.
Paperless Practice Management Systems
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Lyndon Taylor explains to Trevor Warburton about his recent implementation of a software-based practice management system.
Topics: Electronic, Software, Data, Computer, Images, Clinical, Records, Technology, Security.
Waste Disposal
No CET Points
Each optometric practice, like any other business, is responsible for their own waste disposal. Here Dr Susan Blakeney discusses the waste disposal advice which was developed in 2009 with Hugh Breakspear.
Topics: Hygiene, Drugs, Minims, Solutions, Contact lenses, Sharps, Contamination, Infection, Body fluids, Clinical waste, Hazardous.