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Sound Optometry


Domains: Clinical practice, Leadership & Accountability

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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 13 - Infection Control: Protect the patient, protect yourself

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the two-way risk of infection in optometric practice with Dr Conor Meehan. The conversation is followed by a real-life case study of a workplace-acquired ocular infection, presented by ophthalmologist Arijit Mitra, who highlights the serious consequences of lapses in infection prevention and control.

Effective infection prevention and control protects both practitioner and patient. Over the past 18 months, much of the focus has rightly been on preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This podcast reminds practitioners how to minimise the risk not only from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, but also from the many pathogens encountered in optometric practice. As the UK heads into the winter season and the pandemic continues, maintaining good hygiene remains as important as ever.

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: September 2021
Last reviewed: January 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

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      • 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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