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Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

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Optometrists regularly observe pigmented retinal and choroidal lesions when examining patients in the community. Being able to differentiate between benign and suspicious lesions that require monitoring or referral is an important clinical skill.

This filmed lecture by consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Professor Heinrich Heimann, that initially took place as a webinar will cover the following points:

  • Basic understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of retinal and choroidal lesions.
  • Examination techniques (including traditional fundus examination and fields, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, OCT etc).
  • Differential diagnosis of the more common causes including:
    • Choroidal naevus
    • Choroidal melanoma
    • CHRPE
  • Appropriate referral and monitoring.

First published: October 2020
Last reviewed: August 2024

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    Communication 

    s.2 Communicate effectively with patients 

    • Able to effectively advise patients presenting with pigmented fundus lesions about their ocular condition and any follow-up or referral required.

    Clinical Practice 

    s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

    • Understand how different imaging types (ophthalmoscopy, fundus camera, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, OCT etc) can be used to detect and help diagnose pigmented lesions and understands the advantages and disadvantages of each.

    s.7 Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals 

    • Knowledge of how to differentially diagnose common pigmented lesions of the retina and understands which can be monitored in practice and when referral is required.

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      Please note: The markers in the video refer to chapter headings (listed below). You can use these markers to return to a specific section if you can’t watch the recording in one sitting. For more information on viewing Docet videos, including how to watch them in full screen and how to screencast, please go to our 

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      • Programme references and information

      • Damato B (2012) Progress in the management of patients with uveal melanoma. The Ashton Lecture. Eye. Sep; 26(9), pp 1157-72

      • Heimann H, Jmor F, Damato B (2013) Imaging of retinal and choroidal vascular tumours. Eye. Feb; 27(2), pp 208-16

      • Shields C, Dalvin L, Yu M et al. (2019) Choroidal Nevus Transformation Into Melanoma Per Millimeter Increment In Thickness Using Multimodal Imaging In 2355 Cases: The 2019 Wendell L. Hughes Lecture. Retina. Oct; 39(10), pp 1852-1860


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

          • Professor Heinrich Heimann, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Clinical Lead of the Ocular Oncology Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital.

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        Certificate available only to users who had successfully completed the CPD quiz prior to 28 September 2023.

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