Case study: Salma Ali MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc
‘As an optometrist working in a primary care setting, it’s important to be able to detect early signs of glaucoma, and make timely referrals. The Professional Certificate in Glaucoma introduced me to new techniques that you don’t cover a university or in community practice, such as Smith’s method and the 24-2 Sita and Zata tests. And now I apply my learning in practice every day. It’s made me confident in interpreting visual fields and also when determining whether an optic disc is healthy.
‘Career progression is of utmost importance to me. I’m planning to complete the Higher Professional Certificate in Glaucoma next, so that I can venture on to hospital optometry within specialist glaucoma clinics.’
Case study: Shima Shah MCOptom Higher Cert Glauc
"My employer asks for higher qualifications in glaucoma and prescribing, as they help to ensure that we all work to the same high standard to provide excellent and safe care.
"When I started working in a glaucoma clinic ten years ago, we learnt ‘on the job’ and gradually picked things up. Now higher qualifications are becoming increasingly necessary, as the role of optometry within clinical care grows, They cover topics such as gonioscopy, prescribing and clinical decision making in much greater detail than anything I was exposed to at university or community practice. Now I am able to take on more complex clinical cases, and work independently."
Case study: John Gurney FCOptom Dip Glauc
"Higher qualifications give you a licence to practice and develop you as an eye care professional. Without my higher qualifications, I couldn’t offer the same standard of high quality patient care or range of ophthalmology services that I currently offer in my practice. My Dip (Glauc) means that I am able to diagnose and manage, without consultant supervision, ocular hypertension, suspect glaucoma, and patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma for both the NHS or on a private basis. I can also prescribe any medications required.
"The Higher Certificate and the Diploma are demanding in terms of study, time, commitment and finance. But, they are set at that level to ensure the competence of the optometrist managing complex conditions such as glaucoma in a community setting, and much more importantly, to ensure ongoing patient safety. If the qualifications weren’t so rigorous, GPs and ophthalmologists would not refer patients to us, and we could ultimately lose the multi-disciplinary approach for patient care, which benefits all."