Course: Sound Optometry: Episode 14

Section

General

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

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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 14 - Glaucoma - Assessing the risk to resolve referral dilemma

In this episode, Michelle explores the risk of glaucoma being undetected in those patients that have undergone laser vision correction with consultant ophthalmologist Imran Masood. The discussion also covers more general risk factors and Mr Masood describes the optic disc features that could potentially indicate glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a sight threatening disease. Timely referral and regular monitoring is essential to prevent vision loss. Paddy Gunn, hospital optometrist, explains how to approach borderline cases to ensure appropriate referral and how to reassure patients that have not had their routine glaucoma monitoring appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The podcast provides an insight into how glaucoma services are coping with high demand, and explains how optometrists can help to ease the strain on the NHS and manage patients that require an urgent review.

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: September 2022

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Learning outcomes

Professionalism

s.4 Show care and compassion for your patients

Able to identify and respond appropriately to patients’ fears, anxieties and concerns about their glaucomatous condition.

Clinical practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understand the risk factors for glaucoma.

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

Able to formulate an appropriate management plan for a patient with suspect glaucoma, or of a patient already diagnosed but requires assessment in the community.
Knowledge of when the referral of a patient is indicated.

Unit 1 - Glaucoma audio track (~25 min)

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

The potential effect of laser vision correction and central corneal thickness on IOP measurements
Risk factors for glaucoma
Optic disc changes in glaucoma
Screening and detecting glaucoma in primary care
Referral pathways for glaucoma
The risk of delayed monitoring and follow-up of glaucoma patients.

Unit 2 - Required reading (~25 min)

More information

References
URLCollege of Optometrists (2021) Guidance. Clinical Management Guidelines. Glaucoma (chronic open angle) (COAG). [Accessed Dec 2021] URL Opens in a new window.
Henderer J (2006) Disc damage likelihood scale. Br J Ophthalmol; 90(4), pp 395-396
URLSpaeth G (2005) The Disc Damage Likelihood Scale: Using the optic disc to diagnose and manage glaucoma. Glaucoma Today. [Accessed Dec 2021] URL Opens in a new window.
Docet would like to thank the following for their contribution to this programme:
Mr Imran Masood, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Director of Glaucoma Services, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust)
Mr Patrick (Paddy) Gunn, Principal Optometrist Education and Training, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

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