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Sound Optometry


Domains: Clinical practice, Leadership & Accountability

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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 13 - Infection Control - Protect the patient, protect yourself

In this episode, Michelle explores the two-way risk of infection in optometric practice with Dr Conor Meehan. A real life case study of a workplace acquired ocular infection follows, and we hear from Ophthalmologist Arijit Mitra, who reminds the listener of the potential consequences in any lapse of infection prevention and control.

Effective infection prevention and control is protection for both practitioner and patient and for the last 18 months, the focus of attention has been very much on the prevention of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This podcast reminds practitioners of how to reduce the risk from this and other respiratory viruses as well as other pathogens that could be encountered when working in optometric practice. The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over and as the UK approaches the winter season, good hygiene has never been more important.

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: June 2022

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    Clinical practice

    s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

    • Able to recognise the presenting signs and symptoms of common ocular and non-ocular infections and understand the common routes of transmission.

    Leadership and accountability

    s.12 Ensure a safe environment for your patients 

    • Able to minimise the risk of infection transmission and provide a safe environment for your patients.
    • Knowledge of the appropriate action to take if there is a risk of infection transmission.

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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

        • Information on the key routes of infection from the different respiratory viruses and other infectious pathogens.
        • Advice from an expert on how to reduce the risk of transmission within an optometrist’s environment.
        • Review of when to use personal protective equipment.
        • Case study presentation featuring a workplace acquired ocular infection.
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      • References

      • Lian K, Napper G, Stapleton F, Kiely P (2017) Infection control guidelines for optometrists. Clinical and Experimental Optometry; 100:4, pp 341-356

      • Fernandes P, OYong K, Terashita D (2020) Understanding Infection Prevention Practices in Optometry Clinics. Optom Vis Sci; 97(1), pp 24-27


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

        • Dr Conor Meehan, Assistant Professor, School Chemistry and Bioscience (Faculty of Life Sciences) University of Bradford

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