Course: Sound Optometry: Episode 25 - Visual Field Tests: When, why and what it can mean

Section

General

Domains: Clinical Practice

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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 25 – Visual Field Tests: When, why and what it can mean

This episode starts with a conversation between optometrist Stephen Freeman and presenter Michelle Hanratty about the clinical decision-making process of when to conduct a visual field test. Some real-life cases are shared, and the red flags to look out are explored.

Michelle then discusses visual field testing with Dr Lindsay Rountree, starting with how to best achieve reliable test results and how to interpret them. Relating visual field loss to the location in the visual pathway is then explained along with the likely causes. The episode concludes with some advice on referral, and the importance of communicating the impact of visual field loss to a patient’s driving status.

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 2023

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Learning outcomes

Clinical Practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Know the red flags that indicate visual field testing.
Able to recognise visual field defects and identify the part of the visual pathway that is likely to be affected.
Understand the likely causes of visual field defects.

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

Able to investigate and form a management plan where a neurological disorder is suspected and make appropriate referral to the relevant health care professionals.
Able to communicate with others that may be struggling with their mental health how to access further support or treatment.

Unit 1 - Visual fields audio track (~26 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
When to carry out visual field testing
History and symptom red flags
Improving reliability of visual field testing
Interpreting visual field test results
Visual field loss and stroke
Referrals
Driving standards.

Unit 2 - Required reading (~30 min)

More information

References
URLHeijl A, Patella V, Bengtsson B (2012) The Field Analyzer Primer: Effective Perimetry. Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. [Accessed Jan 2023] URL Opens in a new window.
URLSam Strong’s Vision Science Pages. Scotoma Maps. [Accessed Jan 2023] URL Opens in a new window.
URLZhang X, Kedar S, Lynn M, et al. (2006) Homonymous hemianopia in stroke. J Neuroophthalmol; 26, pp 180-183 [Accessed Jan 2023] URL Opens in a new window.
Docet would like to thank the following for their contribution to this programme:
Dr Lindsay Roundtree, MCOptom PhD – Assistant Professor, University of Bradford
Stephen Freeman, MCOptom BSC Hons – Visiting specialist and lecturer, University of Plymouth

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