docet

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Janice McCrudden talks to host Michelle Hanratty about the stark reality of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy when it is discovered too late. We hear about the patient and optometrist experience of a pilot monitoring scheme in Wales, before Michelle explores the toxicity effects of hydroxychloroquine with Consultant Ophthalmologist Rhianon Reynolds. 

Topics: Medical retina, Hydroxychloroquine toxicity, Retinopathy, Maculopathy, Referrals, Monitoring pathways, Autoimmune disease.

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.

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle speaks with a highly myopic patient as well as a parent of highly myopic children about myopia’s impact on lifestyle and ocular health, and their hopes and fears for the future. We also hear from Kathryn Webber about recent myopia management research, advancements and guidance.

Topics: Myopia management, High myopia, Risk factors for myopia, Communication, Pathological myopia.

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

This episode provides a fly on the wall account of a typical YAG laser procedure. Michelle speaks with specialist optometrists Steven Burge and Don Williams, who reflect on their experiences of the training they underwent to be able to perform key ophthalmic laser techniques before moving on to discuss how they have honed their techniques with experience. 

Topics: Cataract postoperative complications, Posterior capsular opacification, Consent, YAG capsulotomy, Patient care pathways, Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension, Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), Ophthalmic lasers, Glaucoma treatment, NICE.

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, we hear from the assistant headteacher and sensory impairment lead of a SEN primary school about the impact of visual dysfunction on SEN children. Michelle then speaks to Professor Rachel Pilling, delving into the potentially daunting task of carrying out an eye examination on children with SEN and providing valuable hints, tips and resources to better equip optometrists and lay the foundations to lifelong eyecare for SEN children. 

Topics: SEN, Special educational needs, Paediatric eyecare, Eye examinations, Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

Domains: Communication, Professionalism

In this episode, presenter Michelle Hanratty is joined by Paramdeep Bilku, Clinical Advisor for the College of Optometrists, and IP optometrist Alan Hawrami in discussing the basic principles of evidence-based practice in optometry: What evidence is needed, where it can be found and why it is important.

Topics: Evidence-based practice, Informed consent, Blue blocking lenses, Myopia management, Dry age related macular degeneration, Photo biomodulation treatment, Intense pulsed light treatment.

Closing Date: 30 June 2025

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores refractive surgery options. She speaks to Professor Clare O’Donnell, Head of Eye Science at Optegra, about laser vision correction. She also discusses refractive lens exchange options with Amir Hamid, a cataract and refractive surgeon and looks at considerations after presbyopic surgery with specialist refractive optometrist Sundeep Vaswani.

Topics: Presbyopia, Spherical aberration, Monovision, EDOF, Multifocals, Intraocular lenses, Phakic intraocular lenses, Visual environment analysis, Managing patient expectations, Communication, Cataract. 

Closing Date: 30 June 2025

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

In this episode, Professor Sai Kolli addresses some of the questions raised during his recent Docet webinar on common corneal conditions. He and Michelle explore different management options for some of these conditions, providing valuable insight into how we can deliver potential diagnoses with more sensitivity. We also hear from a patient who has recently been diagnosed with keratoconus, reminding us that communicating bad news is something that can be difficult to get right.

Topics: Corneal dystrophy, Keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy, Recurrent epithelial corneal erosion, Breaking bad news, Communication, Independent prescribing, Referrals.

Closing Date: 30 September 2025

Domains: Professionalism, Leadership & Accountability

In this episode, Michelle welcomes Neil Retallic, an optometrist and mental welfare researcher who explains why stress and burnout are so prevalent in our profession. We also hear from Dr Nicholas Taylor, consultant psychiatrist, about early interventions to prevent long-term mental health issues.

Topics: Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, Wellbeing, Mental health, Compassion fatigue, Cognitive behavioural therapy.