Course: Sound Optometry: Episode 15 - Vitreomacular disorders: Smoothing wrinkles and mending holes

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 15 - Vitreomacular disorders - Smoothing wrinkles and mending holes

The episode starts with an interview featuring a patient that underwent multiple procedures after being diagnosed with epiretinal membrane and retinal tears. Michelle Hanratty then discusses the presentation and optometric management of vitreomacular disorders that may be encountered in everyday practice with Mr Kam Balaggan, consultant vitreoretinal and cataract surgeon. Further investigation of epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction and macula holes are explored along with key considerations for referral urgency.

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 vitreomacular condition.

Clinical practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understand the signs, symptoms and risk factors for vitreomacular conditions.

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

Able to formulate an appropriate management plan for a patient with a vitreomacular condition, or of a patient already diagnosed but requires monitoring in the community.
Knowledge of when the referral of a patient is indicated and the urgency required.

Unit 1 - Vitreomacular disorders audio track (~28 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
Patient case study – Epiretinal membrane secondary to peripheral retinal tears
The presenting signs and symptoms of vitreomacular conditions
The classification of vitreomacular conditions
Grading macular holes
Indications for, and urgency of referral
Monitoring vitreomacular conditions in practice.

Unit 2 - Required reading (~27 min)

More information

References
Duker J, Kaiser P, Binder S, et al (2013) The International Vitreomacular Traction Study Group Classification of Vitreomacular Adhesion, Traction, and Macular Hole. Ophthalmology; 120, pp 2611-2619
Gass J (1988) Idiopathic senile macular hole. Its early stages and pathogenesis. Arch Ophthalmol; 106, pp 629-39
Heath G (2009) Current trends in macular hole management. Optometry In Practice, Volume 10, Issue 3
URLNegretti G (2020) Primary care management of epiretinal membranes. Optometry Today. [Accessed Dec 2021] URL Opens in a new window.
URLShechtman D, Haynie J (2018) A Bad Break-up. A Review of Optometry. [Accessed Dec 2021] URL Opens in a new window.
Williams M, Sharkey A (2006) Macular Holes; A Treatable Cause of Central Visual Deterioration. Optometry in Practice, Volume 7, Issue 4
Docet would like to thank the following for his contribution to this programme:
Mr Kam Balaggan, Consultant Vitreoretinal and Cataract Surgeon

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