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Sound Optometry


Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice, Specialty CPD (IP)

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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 44 - Corneal Conditions: Shape and clarity

Some corneal dystrophies are commonly encountered in optometry practice, and the management of such conditions may involve therapeutic treatment, monitoring or onward referral. This podcast will explore keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy and recurrent corneal epithelial erosion syndrome, which often occur after trauma or if there is underlying basement membrane dystrophy.

The episode begins with an interview with Sam and his mother Christina, who recently discovered that he has keratoconus. They share how they felt upon hearing the possible diagnosis, reminding us that communicating bad news is something that can be difficult to get right. Christina also explains how she found help from the UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association.

Professor Sai Kolli returns to address some of the questions raised during his recent Docet webinar on common corneal conditions. He provides valuable insight into how we can deliver potential diagnoses with more sensitivity.

An additional reading element consolidates the learning on this topic.

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: November 2024
Last reviewed: June 2025

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    Communication

    s.2 Communicate effectively with patients

    • Able to communicate effectively when explaining an ocular condition such as keratoconus to a patient using age appropriate language and behaviours.
    • Able to communicate with sensitivity when breaking potentially bad news to patients.


    Clinical Practice

    s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

    • Knowledge of the presenting signs and symptoms, and risk factors of keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy and recurrent corneal epithelial erosion.

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

    • Able to conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals when managing a patient with keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy or recurrent corneal epithelial erosion.


    IP Competency

    Specialty CPD

    • Knowledge of the first line therapeutic and non-therapeutic management options for symptomatic Fuch’s corneal endothelial dystrophy.
    • Understand the current options of treatment available to IP optometrists to manage recurrent corneal epithelial erosion. 
    • Understand the limitations of IP management in primary care and know when referral to secondary care is indicated.

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