docet

No CPD Points

In this episode of Sound Optometry, we hear of a scenario where a sixth nerve palsy was detected in an urgent remote consultation with an elderly patient. We also explore methods that optometrists have at their disposal to detect and manage binocular vision problems in children.

Topics: Binocular vision assessment, Examining children, Amblyopia, Strabismus, Squint, Incommitant, Convergence insufficiency, Exercises, Ocular Motility, Stereopsis, Prisms, Double vision, Orthoptics, Referrals.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode we hear from both parent and child about their experience of myopia management with soft contact lenses before Michelle Hanratty talks to Optometrist Kathryn Webber about myopia management. They discuss how to identify suitable candidates and give useful advice on how to explain the potential benefits of myopia management to patients.

Topics: Myopia management, Risk factors for myopia, Communication, Fitting contact lenses in children, Pathological myopia.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, we hear from a patient who was diagnosed with a conjunctival melanoma before Michelle Hanratty talks to Professor Heinrich Heimann about lesions of the ocular surface and of the anterior chamber. The discussion covers how to recognise pertinent signs and the associated risks factors as well as the management, investigation and treatment of such patients.

Topics: Conjunctival lesions, Uveal lesions, Ocular tumours, Referrals.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the key examination techniques that are useful in the investigation of binocular vision anomalies with Dr Aleksandra Mankowska. Michelle and Aleks also explore the management of convergence insufficiency and the tricky subject of prescribing prisms and orthoptic exercises.

Topics: Paediatric, Convergence insufficiency, Convergence excess, Esophoria, Exophoria, Prism, Cycloplegic refraction.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the highlights of the BCLA Continued Learning Evidence-based Academic Report (CLEAR) with Professor James Wolffsohn and Neil Retallic.

Topics: Contact lenses, Evidence-based practice, Fitting, Presbyopia, Multifocal, Toric, CLEAR, BCLA.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

In this episode Michelle Hanratty asks optometrist Sarah Farrant and her patient Christine Lanaghan who suffers from dry eye disease how to talk about mental health in practice. Michelle then investigates the relationship between mental health and ocular health with Dr Dennis Pardo, an optometrist and psychotherapist in Massachusetts.

Topics: Mental Health, Well-being, Anxiety, Stress, Communication, Side-effects of systemic drugs, Dry eye.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle speaks with a highly myopic patient as well as a parent of highly myopic children about myopia’s impact on lifestyle and ocular health, and their hopes and fears for the future. We also hear from Kathryn Webber about recent myopia management research, advancements and guidance.

Topics: Myopia management, High myopia, Risk factors for myopia, Communication, Pathological myopia.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, we hear from the assistant headteacher and sensory impairment lead of a SEN primary school about the impact of visual dysfunction on SEN children. Michelle then speaks to Professor Rachel Pilling, delving into the potentially daunting task of carrying out an eye examination on children with SEN and providing valuable hints, tips and resources to better equip optometrists and lay the foundations to lifelong eyecare for SEN children. 

Topics: SEN, Special educational needs, Paediatric eyecare, Eye examinations, Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

In this episode, presenter Michelle and consultant ophthalmic surgeon Julia Sen discuss typical menopausal changes and subsequent ocular changes, as well as the need to take a more holistic approach in treating menopausal patients. We then hear from Professor Stuti Misra about current research into changes to ocular health in relation to fluctuating or decreasing hormone levels.

Topics: Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone replacement therapy, Dry eye, Ocular surface disease, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Glaucoma, Cataract, Communication.

No CPD Points

In the second episode of Sound Optometry, we hear about a clinical scenario where papilloedema was detected in a young girl. Michelle Hanratty then discusses the topic of papilloedema, its presentation, causes and potential treatment with consultant neuro-ophthalmologist Naz Raoof.

Topics: Communication, Neuro-ophthalmology, Optic disc anomalies, Papilloedema, OCT.

Area of interest: MECS

No CPD Points

In the first episode of Docet's new podcasts Sound Optometry we explore how patients with ocular allergy get clinical advice and treatment. We hear from a community pharmacist who is often the first port of call for an allergy sufferer before Michelle Hanratty discusses ocular allergy in more detail with IP optometrist Dr Peter Frampton.

Topics: Allergic conjunctivitis, Seasonal and perennial allergy, Topical medications and contact lenses, Effective history taking, Remote consultations, Allergy vs adverse reaction.

Area of interest: Independent prescribing

No CPD Points

In the third episode of Sound Optometry, Michelle Hanratty is joined by Stephen Lash, Consultant Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, and Roshni Kanabar, Clinical and Regulatory Advisor for the Association of Optometrists (AOP), to discuss how to manage suspected retinal detachment. 

Topics: Retinal tear, Retinal detachment, Flashes and floaters, Posterior vitreous detachment, Record keeping, Communication, Referrals.

No CPD Points

In this episode of Sound Optometry, optometrist Robert Longhurst reports an increased incidence of viral conjunctivitis-related red eye during lockdown and Consultant Ophthalmologist David Lockington explores the investigation and management of acute red eye.

Topics: Red eye, Viral conjunctivitis, Microbial keratitis, Contact lens complications, Independent prescribing, Emergency referrals.

No CPD Points

The focus of this episode of Sound Optometry is wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) where Michelle Hanratty explores the referral, investigation and management of wet AMD with consultant ophthalmologist Rupal Morjaria

Topics: Medical retina, Age-related macular degeneration, Referrals, Retinitis pigmentosa, Patient communication, Gene therapy.

No CPD Points

In this episode of Sound Optometry Michelle speaks to Arijit Mitra, Consultant Ophthalmologist about his personal experience with cataract and Ajai Tyagi, who gives insight from a surgical viewpoint. The episode concludes with some advice from both surgeons on the referral and postoperative care of cataract patients.

Topics: Cataract, Referrals, Patient communication, Monovision.

No CPD Points

In this episode, we hear about a clinical scenario where a case of idiopathic intracranial hypertension led to severe visual symptoms and bilateral optic disc swelling. Michelle then recaps the key features of papilloedema, its presentation and causes with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Denize Atan before looking at the differential diagnoses. The second part of the episode concentrates on the unilateral causes of optic disc swelling.

Topics: Optic disc drusen, Optic disc swelling, Optic neuritis, Optic neuropathy, Papilloedema, Referrals.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty talks to Optometrist Yahya Vali about the detection of keratoconus in routine practice and discusses the referral and treatment options for keratoconic patients with Consultant Ophthalmologist Damian Lake, as well as some key information about detecting keratoconus as early as possible.

Topics: Keratoconus, Crosslinking, Corneal transplant, Retinoscopy, Keratometry, Referrals, Corneal Topography.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores the risk of glaucoma being undetected in those patients that have undergone laser vision correction with consultant ophthalmologist Imran Masood. 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.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Laser vision correction.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty 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.

Topics: Vitreomacular conditions, OCT, Epiretinal membrane, Vitreomacular traction, Macula holes, Referrals.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical Practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses sudden loss of vision with hospital optometrists Helen Wilson and Amanda Harding, including the presentation and optometric management of retinal vascular occlusions, differential diagnosis, appropriate triage and referrals. The episode concludes with the clinical signs optometrists need to look out for when examining a patient with a history of a vascular occlusion.

Topics: Sudden loss of vision, Retinal artery occlusion, Retail vein occlusion, Giant Cell Arteritis, Arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy, Amaurosis Fugax, Stroke.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the presentation and optometric management of both posterior and anterior uveitis with Professor Alastair Denniston and his colleague Dr Balini Balasubramaniam.

Topics: Painful red eye, Ocular inflammation, Anterior uveitis, Posterior uveitis, Iritis, Punctate inner choroidopathy, Secondary glaucoma, Secondary cataract.

No CPD Points

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

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses corneal and ocular surface disease in children, including vernal keratoconjunctivitis and blepharokeratoconjunctivitis, with Mr Michael O’Gallagher.

Topics: Red eye, Ocular inflammation, Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Ocular allergy, Paediatric corneal disease, Independent prescribing.

No CPD Points

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

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the presentation, differential diagnosis and management of malignant and benign eyelid lesions with Mr Raman Malhotra, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and expert in oculoplastics.

Topics: Eyelid lesions, Eyelid carcinomas, Chalazion, Molluscum contagiosum, Xanthelasma, Independent prescribing, Cancer, Referrals.

No CPD Points

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

In this episode we hear from David about his journey with dry eye disease, its effect on his career and his mental health, and how his optometrist and specialist dry eye practitioner Sarah Farrant managed it. Professor Sai Kolli from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham then joins Michelle Hanratty to explain how optometrists in the community can help prevent patients from getting to the stages of severe dry eye disease. 

Topics: Mental health, Well-being, Communication, Side effects, Systemic drugs, Dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Ocular surface inflammation, Independent prescribing.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Janice McCrudden talks to host Michelle Hanratty about the stark reality of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy when it is discovered too late. We hear about the patient and optometrist experience of a pilot monitoring scheme in Wales, before Michelle explores the toxicity effects of hydroxychloroquine with Consultant Ophthalmologist Rhianon Reynolds. 

Topics: Medical retina, Hydroxychloroquine toxicity, Retinopathy, Maculopathy, Referrals, Monitoring pathways, Autoimmune disease.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode we first hear a patient case study; later, Patrick Gunn reflects on how his professional development and training has led to a specialist qualification in glaucoma. The second part of the podcast answers some of the questions asked by the glaucoma webinar attendees and delves into optic disc interpretation in detail. Presenter Michelle Hanratty and Patrick discuss the early signs to look out for in glaucomatous discs and how these relate to other findings such as OCT and visual fields.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Monitoring pathways, Optic disc, OCT, Visual fields.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice

In this episode, we hear about England’s diabetic retinopathy screening programme, with a 'fly on the wall' recording of a screening appointment within the NHS. Dr Cathy Egan explains how AI systems work and reveals how the potential of AI will improve services to the public and increase research capability. We then hear from consultant ophthalmologist Sajjad Mahmood about current treatments for patients at risk of vision loss.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Monitoring pathways, Optic disc, OCT, Visual fields.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle speaks with Dr David Lockington about how to get the balance right when explaining the risks and benefits of cataract surgery to patients. The consent process is explored in depth and David shares a surgeon’s insight into the risks that make a cataract surgery more complex, but not necessarily complicated. The second part of the podcast concentrates on postoperative complications and the importance of setting patient expectations prior to surgery.

Topics: Cataract surgery, Consent, Cataract complications, Intraocular lenses, Patient care pathways, Communication.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

This episode provides a fly on the wall account of a typical YAG laser procedure. Michelle speaks with specialist optometrists Steven Burge and Don Williams, who reflect on their experiences of the training they underwent to be able to perform key ophthalmic laser techniques before moving on to discuss how they have honed their techniques with experience. 

Topics: Cataract postoperative complications, Posterior capsular opacification, Consent, YAG capsulotomy, Patient care pathways, Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension, Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), Ophthalmic lasers, Glaucoma treatment, NICE.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle meets with optometrist Bradley Warwick and one of his patients with geographic atrophy, and they discuss the benefit to patients that regular monitoring can provide. We also hear from consultant ophthalmologist Clare Bailey about the exciting developments in the therapeutic treatment of dry AMD. 

Topics: Age related macular degeneration, Geographic atrophy, Medical retina, Ocular coherent tomography (OCT), Fundus auto-fluorescence, Nutritional supplements, Patient communication, NICE.

No CPD Points

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

In this episode, presenter Michelle Hanratty and Dr Peter Frampton discuss the ocular allergic responses commonly seen in optometric practice and explore their treatment using therapeutic agents. We also hear from a patient who suffered from interstitial keratitis, highlighting how the successful therapeutic management of this case is connected to the immunological response.

Topics: Immunology, Allergic eye disease, Herpes zoster, Independent prescribing.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

Listening to this episode, where presenter Michelle speaks to Professor Omar Mahroo, a consultant ophthalmologist and Professor Rob Henderson, a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist, gives optometrists an update as to where the research and development of gene therapy currently stands, as well as an understanding of who might benefit from referral for diagnosis.

Topics:  Gene therapy, Inherited retinal disease, Communication, Clinical trials, Retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amourosis.  

No CPD Points

In this episode of Sound Optometry, Michelle discusses the concepts of Speaking Up with David Hewlett, Group Director at FODO; our producer, Richard Hollingham speaks to Julie Breen, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian for Tees LOC, who outlines her role within primary care optometry.

Topics: Freedom to Speak Up, Speaking up, Raising concerns, Whistleblowing, GOC Standards of Practice.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Leadership & Accountability

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores the two-way risk of infection in optometric practice with Dr Conor Meehan. A real life case study of a workplace acquired ocular infection follows as we hear from ophthalmologist Arijit Mitra, who reminds the listener of the potential consequences in any lapse of infection prevention and control. 

Topics: Infection prevention and control, Hand hygiene, Reuse of instruments and contact lenses.

No CPD Points

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

In this episode, the first of a two-part series, Michelle Hanratty discusses Enhanced Optometry Services in Wales and England. She explores the scope of the Wales Eye Care Service (WECS) with Clare Pearce and talks about the COVID Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES) with Kevin Liu.

Topics: Minor Eye Conditions, Urgent Eye Care Services, Independent prescribing, Enhanced Optometry Services, Eye Health Examination Wales, Primary eye care services.

No CPD Points

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

In this episode, the second of a two-part series, Michelle Hanratty discusses Enhanced Optometry Services in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Topics: Eye care services in primary care settings, Urgent eye care services, Independent prescribing, Enhanced optometry services, Community Eyecare Scotland, NI PEARS.

No CPD Points

Domains: Professionalism, Communication

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of optometrists in the workplace environment with optometrist and life coach Sheena Tanna-Shah. Also discussed are the potential triggers of stress and anxiety in a healthcare environment with Dr Rachel Morris, executive coach and former GP.

Topics: Mental Health, Wellbeing, Anxiety, Stress, Time management, Practice teambuilding, Communication, Leadership.

No CPD Points

Domains: Leadership and accountability

In this episode, a follow-up to the Docet webinar, Are all optometrists clinical leaders?, Michelle Hanratty discusses the concepts of leadership with Mat Pickering, General Manager of Optegra UK. Brian McCotter joins in to signpost resources that are available to help optometrists ensure that they are meeting requirements for supervision, record keeping and clinical governance.

Topics: Leadership, Accountability, Supervision, GOC standards of practice, Clinical governance, Audit.