Search results for Clinical practice

This paper provides a practical overview of the causes and impact of cerebral visual impairment (CVI), how it is diagnosed and telltale signs and symptoms.

Find out what comfort means in contact lenses and how we can retain patients in contact lenses.

This recorded webinar by Dr Benjamin Wakerley gives an overview of different types of headache and how they present, with particular focus on migraine headaches.

Adrian O’Dowd explores a new treatment for late-stage dry AMD being considered for approved use in the UK that could raise hopes of delaying the irreversible sight loss caused by the disease.

In this article we draw on the results of our own research studies to identify some key communication issues in eye care consultations.

Find out what comfort means in contact lenses and how we can retain patients in contact lenses.

This course covers advanced technologies and case-based OCT images for various pathological conditions. It is part three of the series, for experienced OCT users.

Kim Thomas looks at new developments in optical coherence tomography hardware, including faster refresh rates and increased accuracy, and wonders what the future holds for the technology.

This paper explores trends in where patients seek information on contact lenses, who has the most influence on their decision making and the perceived importance of the patient–practitioner relationship.

Find out what comfort means in contact lenses and how we can retain patients in contact lenses.

This online CPD course will guide you through the NICE recommended classification of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), risk factors, guidance on when to refer and when to manage in practice.

New research has found links between the severity of visual impairment and the risk of dementia. Kathy Oxtoby asks: how can optometrists play a greater role in supporting patients with these conditions?

COVID-19 and its impact on eyecare: a review

An online dedicated therapeutics peer review session for College members who are qualified independent prescribers.

In this recorded webinar, Jeff Hogg explores the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what defines AI as a medical device (AIaMD).

Artificial intelligence could be used to predict heart disease risk using a retinal photograph. But, Kim Thomas asks, is it an opportunity for optometrists to extend their skill-set – or an unwelcome addition to their workload?

This article guides optometrists in practice-based research, considering the process surrounding dissemination of research findings.

An online dedicated therapeutics peer review session for College members who are qualified independent prescribers.

In this recorded webinar, Dr Gordon Hay discusses true ocular emergencies and provides optometrists with clear guidance on how to make clear and effective referrals to eye casualty.

From refractive error to dashed career opportunities, Kim Thomas discusses the lifelong consequences of amblyopia.

This article outlines an audit of dry-eye prescribing in community practice, examining the factors associated with long-term lubricant use.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

This online CPD course follows an optometrist while they examine four children of differing ages being managed in practice for a variety of binocular vision anomalies.

How do clinicians choose between generic and branded drugs, balancing the need for patient safety against cost? Kathy Oxtoby takes a look.

This article reviews the utility of telemedicine in community practice.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

A clinical audit is a simple process that enables you to assess how you and your practice are performing against standards and identify ways to improve efficiency, patient care, service, and quality in your practice.

Kim Thomas explores ocular immune privilege – how does it work, what benefits does it offer and what happens when it goes wrong?

This article outlines a range of dry-eye disease management strategies available at each severity level and between subtypes of the disease.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

This online CPD course helps optometrists practise making clinical decisions, covering a range of topics and clarify when to refer patients and the level of urgency of referrals.

Natalie Healey explores how optometrists can support the diagnosis and management of cerebral visual impairment.

This article supports eye care practitioners to consider myopia management options, so they can apply evidence-based practice to their advice, in consultation with the patient, in selecting the most appropriate management plan.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

Dr Margaret (Maggie) Woodhouse discusses the main issues in examining and managing patients with learning disabilities whose communication styles are different from the norm.

Evidence suggests that obstructive sleep apnoea increases the risk of normal-tension glaucoma writes Kim Thomas, but is there a causal mechanism?

In this article three interesting glaucoma cases are discussed alongside the evidence-based approach underpinning management decisions.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

This online CPD course is for optometrists who would like to know more about diabetic retinopathy but are not already involved in diabetic screening.

Adrian O'Dowd looks at researchers' efforts to treat fading accommodation more effectively now and in the future.

This article provides practical tips for assessing and managing eye health in people with varying degrees of hearing loss.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

This course is aimed at all optometrists - both newly qualified and experienced. It will take you through the stages of an eye examination looking at ways you can maximise your communication skills.

For optometrists working in the evolving area of cataract care, it is important to have an understanding of the different drug regimens available. Kathy Oxtoby reports.

This article outlines the clinical implications for patients affected by impaired face perception.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

This online CPD course will guide you through a series of example referral letters, from the perspective of the person who receives them in the hospital eye service.

Kathy Oxtoby looks at the intended and adverse effects of corticosteroids, the common concerns patients have, and how to manage a steroid response.

This article describes an audit to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected hospital contact lens services.

This online CPD course will help you make decisions when faced with complex issues and helps you communicate your findings and management plans effectively.

Few optometrists routinely measure contrast sensitivity in practice. Anna Scott asks if doing so can improve patient management.

This paper describes the common visual problems associated with learning disability in adult patients.

You will be given four different patient cases covering a range of pathologies, including cataract post-surgery and contact lens wearers. This online CPD course aims to improve your skills and knowledge in patient management.

The floodgates have opened for a new era of gene therapy that can treat the inherited causes of eye disease. Becky McCall reports.

This article considers the ocular microbiome and its relevance to optometrists and contact lens practice.

In this webinar, the College’s Clinical Advisers discuss the key amendments to the Guidance for Professional Practice.

Consultant Ophthalmologist Damian Lake looks at the history of corneal collagen cross-linking in treating keratoconus, the current indications for its use, and the most up-to-date refinements to the procedure.

This article discusses the reasons why compliance matters, factors that influence and the consequences of poor compliance.

This online CPD course will guide you in making clinical decisions for your patients with neuro-ophthalmological signs and symptoms.

Prashant Shah MCOptom PGDipOphth DipClinOptom on the differential diagnosis of OMG when patients present with diplopia or ophthalmoplegia and an existing autoimmune condition.

This article evaluates the refractive management and visual outcome of patients who have previously undergone keratoplasty following herpes simplex keratitis.

This recorded webinar lecture examines the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, management and long term outlook for eye allergic disease of all severities.

Adrian O’Dowd explores whether the global rises in myopia and diabetes are linked and whether insulin resistance and diet can affect sight.

This paper reviews the history and current use of the lissamine green dye in ocular examination.

This recorded webinar delivered by Michelle Hanratty will help you determine when to manage or monitor a patient’s condition and when to refer for further investigation or management.

Drusen can be a significant finding, but they aren’t always a harbinger of doom. With new approaches on the horizon, asks Kaye McIntosh, what should optometrists do when drusen are found?

The authors present a case report of a 74-year-old Caucasian woman with a palpable mass in the right lower eyelid which transpired to be a metastasis from undiagnosed breast cancer.

Moving on with OCT is an intermediate-level course and the second part of the OCT series. It is suitable for those with a basic understanding of OCT.

Simple and effective, don’t underestimate the benefits of the humble eye compress for patient and optometrist, writes Becky McCall.

This paper describes how viruses infect, reproduce and damage cells. Knowing this process is critical for understanding how to treat ocular viral infections.

MODULE 4: This online CPD course introduces the different types of data found in research studies and how they can be used alongside statistical analyses to understand and interpret the world around us.

Adrian O’Dowd asks if the growing use of topography in community optometry will lead to wavefront analysis gaining traction as a complementary tool.

This article outlines the evidence used to demonstrate the complex aetiology of myopia development and discusses how the supposed opposing influences of genetic factors and environmental influences can be used to further our understanding of myopia.

MODULE 8: This online CPD course demonstrates how to find relevant clinical research using the correct search methods and explains when these methods could be applied in your own clinical practice.

Adrian O’Dowd examines why optometrists need to act on behalf of patients who report temporary sight loss in one eye caused by amaurosis fugax, a potentially serious and sometimes overlooked condition.

This article provides optometrists with a framework to meet the eye care needs of children with significant learning disabilities.

MODULE 1: This online CPD course helps you identify the difference between research, audit, and service evaluation, describe the main stages of the research process, and understand the importance of the ethical review process.

Graham Clews reports on the potential impact of SLT, as a study finds it could reduce the need for traditional treatments for glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

This article summarises the key findings of a survey taken by members of the College of Optometrists investigating changes in clinical optometric practice in the UK as a result of the pandemic including the challenges and benefits identified.

MODULE 5: This online CPD course explores the use of statistical tests in hypothesis testing and when to use specific tests to analyse different data types.

Becky McCall looks at headlight dazzle on the roads, and why complaints about glare to optometrists are rising.

This article provides guidance on the optometric assessment and management of patients with posterior cortical atrophy.

MODULE 7: This online CPD course explains the importance of research in healthcare and how research findings can be used to enhance your clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

A part of the ageing process or an indication of retinal tear or detachment? George Winter talks to experts about how patients presenting with flashes and floaters should be managed.

This article reviews the evidence underpinning our contemporary understanding of the mechanics of presbyopia.

MODULE 6: This online CPD course details the meaning of statistical significance and how this relates to clinical significance in practice.

Half of those with anterior uveitis carry the HLA-B27 antigen on their white blood cells. Kim Thomas explores the role this genetic association plays in eye disorders.

The first ocular gene therapy has now been approved for use as a treatment, therefore it is important optometrists have a basic understanding of genetics and gene therapy. This article will help with answering patient queries, managing patients and appropriate referrals.

MODULE 2: This online CPD course will help you understand research evidence, understand the peer-review process, and identify discipline-specific journals.

Becky McCall analyses the evidence that working distance increases the risk of myopia in children, and the escalation of time spent on screens is related to the surging incidence of myopia around the world.

This article familiarises optometrists with the universal way of reporting refractive surgery clinical outcomes, covering the four main areas of accuracy, efficacy, safety and stability.

Watch optometrist Polly Dulley discuss various cases on this online course. This CPD course includes OCT images, treatment and management options.

Adrian O’Dowd investigates whether genetic nurture plays a significant role in childhood development of myopia alongside a person’s built-in genetics.

This article describes sleep and its regulation, and the specific contribution of the eye.

This second online CPD course on OCT will help develop further your ability to interpret OCT images and decide on the appropriate action for patients.

Becky McCall looks at the effects of menopause on the eye, and asks how optometrists can us their expertise to advise women.

This study reports on an audit carried out in the emergency eye care (EEC) service at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

In this online CPD course, Thurka Sivapalan MCOptom covers the basic principles of OCT to help diagnose, monitor, and manage glaucoma-related conditions in community practice and in hospitals.

Kim Thomas weighs up the risks and rewards of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

This article describes the origins and implementation of a gradual build-up to a maximum wear time for soft contact lenses, along with new evidence demonstrating the potential for change.

In this online course you will analyse video extracts of optometrists giving OCT results to a patient. Activities will enable you to reflect on your own experience of effective communication with your patients.

Kaye McIntosh on managing patients with nystagmus in the consulting room – patience is key in examinations.

This paper describes a new algorithm - MOLES – to distinguish choroidal naevi from melanomas.

This recorded webinar by Professor Bruce Evans FCOptom will help you diagnose binocular vision anomalies and identify those that can be treated by an optometrist, those that need referral or do not require treatment.

Ocular cancers are uncommon but serious. Thankfully, there are world-class specialist centres here in the UK. Carina Bailey looks into the service they provide.

This article reviews the research into digital technology innovation and home monitoring in the management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.

This online CPD course will help you with management decisions when retinal lesions are identified by both fundus examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The new discipline of oculomics uses machine learning to detect biomarkers of systemic health in the eye. Kim Thomas asks: how does it work, what are its ethical implications, and will it be the future of the profession?

This review aims to inform readers about thyroid eye disease.

This online CPD course will extend your knowledge and scope of practice in contact lens practice and pave the way towards a College-accredited higher qualification.

Evaporative dry eye resulting from meibomian gland dysfunction has been difficult to treat, writes Kim Thomas. But intense pulsed light therapy is being increasingly deployed to tackle it. So does it really work?

This review discusses the basic principles of brain imaging together with an explanation of what brain imaging can tell us about vision and visual disorders.

This online CPD course will help you consider the advice you give patients about products and treatments.

John Windell asks whether more practices should consider adding the specially designed night-time RGP lenses to their portfolios.

This article reviews the evidence for the protective effect of daylight on myopia.

This is part one of the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) series and a basic-level course in interpreting OCT results and using findings in clinical decision-making.

Some tree and grass pollens emerge in February. Other allergens come all year round. Anna Scott asks what optometrists need to know to support allergy sufferers.

This recorded webinar includes real case examples of patients who attended a large ophthalmic emergency department and includes the importance of history taking. Diagnosis is not always what you would expect.

Becky McCall looks at how the latest research has linked air pollution with eye health, and the advice to give patients on how to protect themselves.

The recorded webinar by Dr Manbir Nagra MCOptom covers a summary of recent developments in the field of contact lenses and considers the groundwork required to ensure optometrists are prepared for the expected changes.

Myopia case numbers are rising and treatment options vary, but are optometrists keeping an open mind on its causes and management? Adrian O’Dowd investigates.

This recorded webinar by Mr Kam Balaggan covers urgent vitreoretinal conditions and complex cataract surgery, including epiretinal membrane, macular hole and/or eye floater surgery, retinal detachment surgery, and either complex cataract surgery.

Often presenting as eyelid-based lesions, basal cell carcinoma has a good prognosis – but can pose a high risk to the eyes and surrounding tissues if left untreated. Optometrists are well placed to help with early detection and referral, Helen Bird learns.

This recorded webinar delivered by Suzanne Fraser MCOptom and Cathy Williams will help you understand how to assess a child with learning difficulties and the process of taking a relevant history.

Léa Surugue discusses taking a needs-based approach to clinical care, and the need to build communication and training skills.

Dr Pearse Keane discusses AI applications in eyecare, including: basic concepts; language models; challenges and progress so far; Google DeepMind; and more.

In the final part of our series on ageing, Adrian O’Dowd looks at how technology will play a vital role in eye care for older people.

What are the potential benefits of home glaucoma monitoring – and the challenges to be overcome? Juliette Astrup reports.

Adrian O’Dowd explores the more uncommon ocular side effects of newer pharmacological treatments and how to identify them.

Brush up your knowledge on one of the most remarkable parts of the eye. Kimi Chaddah explores the cornea’s anatomy, its capacity for healing, and promising research avenues in corneal innervation.

With the global prevalence of myopia predicted to reach 50% and rates in the UK rising, should optometrists be embracing myopia management techniques? Madeleine Bailey reports.