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CommunicationStandards of practiceOcular DiseaseKnowledgeOptionsSound Optometry

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Welcome to Sound Optometry, a podcast from Docet hosted by Michelle Hanratty, an IP optometrist with over 20 years’ experience in both high street and hospital settings. Each month, through case studies and in-depth conversations, we explore the topics that matter most to you as an optometrist and are relevant to everyday practice. 

Episode 1 - Ocular allergies

In the first episode, we hear first from a community pharmacist who discusses the approach he takes when dealing with patients who complain of ocular allergy, as well as managing the expectations of patients that have been to see their optometrist. Podcast host Michelle Hanratty and optometrist Dr Peter Frampton discuss the topic of ocular allergy, and in particular, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and its presentation and potential treatment.

Subscribe to the series on your preferred podcast player so you don’t miss an episode. You can access all episodes of Sound Optometry here.

First published: June 2020

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    Optometrist Learning Objectives

    • 1.1.1 To be able to elicit the detail and relevance of any significant symptoms relating to ocular allergy.

    • 2.10.1 Work collaboratively with pharmacists and GPs in the best interests of the patient, to ensure prompt access to treatment by communicating clearly and effectively.

    • 6.1.2 To be able to interpret and investigate the presenting symptoms of a patient with ocular allergy.

    • 6.1.4 Identifies external pathology relating to ocular allergy and offers appropriate advice and/or treatment to patients not requiring referral.

    Therapeutic Learning Objectives

    • 1.1.1 Understands ocular allergy, the natural progress and how to assess severity.

    • 2.1.1 Takes an appropriate medical history pertinent to ocular allergy which includes prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, intolerances and known allergies.

    • 2.1.6 Considers all treatment options for ocular allergy including no treatment, non-pharmacological interventions, and medicines usage.
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      • Audio track

        Please listen to the podcast available here or through your preferred podcast listening app. Select the blue arrow at the bottom of the player to access various podcast apps.

      • Key Points

        • Approaches when dealing with ocular allergy complaints
        • The need to have a safety net of referral to the GP or optometrist. 
        • Benefits of written communication for mediation requests or prescribing
        • Presenting symptoms and signs of ocular allergy 
        • Potential differential diagnoses and how to eliminate them
        • Effective treatments of ocular allergy.
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      • References

      •  Kam K, Chen L, Wat N, Young A (2017) Topical Olopatadine in the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm; 25(5), pp 663‐677 

      • Docet would like to thank the following for their contribution to this programme:

        • Dr Peter Frampton, community based independent prescribing optometrist and honorary lecturer at Manchester University
        • Mr Dharmesh Shah, Clinical Pharmacist and independent prescriber.
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