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Sound Optometry


Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

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Welcome to DOCET’s podcast Sound Optometry, hosted by Michelle Hanratty, an IP optometrist with 20 years’ experience on the high street and in hospital. Each month, with case studies and in-depth conversations, we will be exploring topics that matter the most to you as optometrists and are relevant for everyday practice.


Episode 10 - Keratoconus - Screening, surgery and saving sight

In this episode, we hear from a patient that had moderately advanced keratoconus at the time of diagnosis and we learn about the impact of his condition on his life. Michelle Hanratty then talks to Optometrist Yahya Vali about the detection of keratoconus in routine practice and the clinical signs that should increase the index of suspicion. The second half of the episode is spent discussing the referral and treatment options for keratoconic patients as well as some key information about detecting keratoconus as early as possible. 

Early keratoconic corneal changes can start even before the age of 10 and those that are at risk are mostly not detected until the condition is moderately advanced. The only way to pick these patients up early is to routinely screen for keratoconus in the young population at their routine eye examinations and it could be as easy as using an autorefractor. Hear more about the detection and management of keratoconus as Michelle Hanratty talks to Optometrist, Yahya Vali and Consultant Ophthalmologist, Damian Lake. 

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.

Last published: March 2022

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    Communication 

    s.2 Communicate effectively with patients

    • Able to elicit the detail and relevance of any significant symptoms relating to keratoconus. 
    • Able to explain the likely investigation and treatment of keratoconus.

    Clinical practice

    s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date 

    • Able to interpret and investigate the presenting signs and symptoms of a patient with keratoconus. 

    s.6 Recognise and work within your limits of competence

    • Able to recognize when the management of a patient with keratoconus in a primary care setting is no longer appropriate and onward referral is indicated.

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

    • Able to develop a management plan within a primary care setting for the investigation of a patient with suspected keratoconus and interpret the results.  
    • Able to refract patients with suspected keratoconus by objective means and to interpret the diagnostic end point.

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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

        • Case presentation from a patient that was diagnosed with moderately advanced keratoconus and subsequently underwent crosslinking and corneal transplantation.
        • Advice from an optometrist on the key signs and symptoms that raise the index of suspicion for keratoconus.
        • Referral for keratoconus.
        • The investigation and diagnosis of keratoconus are discussed with Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Damian Lake. 
        • How crosslinking works.
        • The treatment options available for advanced keratoconus.
        • Harnessing technology to detect keratoconus early.
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