College of Optometrists

25 April 2012 Return to news listings

Optometrists can get the very latest advice and information from leading experts in the field of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. DOCET’s important new CET training resource:

•    defines the different types of glaucoma and the risk factors involved
•    gives clear advice and information on appropriate investigation and examination techniques
•    explains the management, referral and treatment of glaucoma.

The film, presented by Miranda Krestovnikoff (who previously presented DOCET’s ‘AMD’ film in 2011) offers 2 CET points to optometrists completing the related MCQs (CET expires 31 March 2013). 

Philippa Shaw, DOCET’s Training Adviser on the programme, says “There is often some anxiety and uncertainty among practitioners about the management of patients at risk of developing glaucoma, particularly following recent changes in guidelines for managing patients at risk of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG).  Over the next decade, as the population ages, more and more people are at risk of developing glaucoma, yet we know that currently around half of all cases go undetected.  Optometrists play a vital role in identifying patients at risk and this new DOCET training resource aims to help them to manage and refer their patients appropriately”.

The film is available online to all optometrists currently registered with the GOC in the UK, via the ‘CET Zone’ at www.docet.info.  It is also being distributed by post in DVD format.  The 45 minute film is divided into chapters, so busy optometrists can easily view it section by section.  A supporting written document including key information, images and diagrams from the film is also available to download at www.docet.info

Expert contributors involved in the making of DOCET’s ‘Glaucoma’ film include:
Dr Robert Harper – Optometrist Consultant, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester
John Tickner – Glaucoma Specialist Optometrist, Howie & Tickner Optometrists
Leon Au – Consultant Glaucoma Specialist, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
Professor John Lawrenson - Professor of Clinical Optometry and Director of Postgraduate Programme, City University