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In this edition of Advances in Eyecare we hear from three experts about developments in maintaining ocular health. The speakers discuss their fields of research as applicable to optometric practice.

Dr Nicole Carnt outlines the nature of Acanthamoeba keratitis, its causes, diagnosis, management and avoidance. There is some discussion of why there has been an increase in incidence in some UK areas in the last year.

Prof Niall Strang looks at the latest views on the use of low-dose atropine in the slowing of myopic progression and the likely potential this may have for the future for UK-based practitioners in myopia therapy.

Dr Tariq Aslam looks at the review of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) guidelines for the screening for retinal disease due to the systemic use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine and how the optometrist may be usefully involved in the multidisciplinary approach to future screening and monitoring.

Last published: December 2019

    Unit 1 - Acanthamoeba (~15 mins)

    Dr Nicole Carnt and David Cartwright

    Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare eye infection caused by a water-borne microorganism, Acanthamoeba, which infects the cornea. The disease is rare but has a strong association with soft contact lens wear. Since 2011, there has been a threefold increase of the infection in South-East England. In this interview, David Cartwright speaks to Dr Nicole Carnt, at the University of New South Wales Sydney, to find out what the reasons are for the increased incidence in the UK and what this means for optometrists.

    Learning objectivesUnit 2 - Low-dose Atropine (~8 mins)