Search results for Independent prescribing

Articles in this edition cover: Therapeutics, OCT vs FFA, corneal confocal microscopy, amblyopia management and Britain's eye health.

The College responded to a consultation from the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre.

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

The College provides qualifications, updates and guidance on independent prescribing (IP). These are regularly reviewed to ensure you are completely up-to-date with your practice.

Clinical files: Can I prescribe a prescription-only medicine based on my findings and working diagnosis from a remote consultation?

There are plenty of evidence-based resources to draw on, writes Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser for the College.

This article reviews the use of topical beta-blockers for the treatment of glaucoma.

Our Clinical Adviser answers this question in the latest Clinical Adviser Files.

Latest news on the topic of independent prescribing (IP)

Clinical files: Should I prescribe chloramphenicol for children under two years old

We speak to Professor John Lawrenson FCOptom about his role authoring and reviewing the College’s Clinical Management Guidelines.

The first insight on the impact of therapeutic qualifications on optometric practice.

After consulting with members, we have sent our final response to the GOC.

Clinical files: I am keen to start offering my patients a myopia management intervention using atropine. Can I prescribe 0.01% atropine?

Eye health issues that are making the news.

The College of Optometrists is calling on the next Westminster government to establish optometrists as the first port of call for anyone with an eye care issue.

Clinical files: Is it appropriate for me to treat steroid-related rises in IOP where the steroid was originally used for managing anterior uveitis, even though I do not have any additional glaucoma qualifications?

Anna Scott asks why so many optometrists are opting for a portfolio career.

As part of its 10-Year Health Plan, the government is proposing to extend the range of prescription-only medicines available for optometrists to supply under the medicines exemptions legislation.

The College of Optometrists’ member app helps support you in practice, as well as connecting you with other members.

The Deputy Chair of CET Approvers at the GOC on specialising in contact lenses and his decision to sell his independent practice.

We have a number of therapeutic points available to IP members struggling to cover their competencies by the end of this year.

Clinical files: As an IP optometrist can I prescribe medicine is not listed in the College’s Optometrists Formulary?

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

The College has been working with the GOC on enabling IP optometrists to qualify despite the challenges of accessing appropriate clinical experience.

There are plenty of ways that we can help you develop your career, whatever your job role, experience or professional and personal goals.

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.

Registered independent prescribers will be able to sign off individual clinical practice placement sessions for IP trainees.

Additional guidance for members with an independent prescribing qualification.

Frank Munro FCOptom, GOC Scottish Registrar, on how optometrists have increased their relevance, influence and capabilities in Scotland and beyond.

The GOC opens consultation on proposed changes to its requirements for education and training in independent prescribing.

Improve your skills and knowledge in diagnosis and patient management on this updated online CPD course for independent prescribing optometrists.

It has been over 15 years since prescribing rights were granted to optometrists, writes Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser for the College. How has this affected clinical practice and patient outcomes?

We are looking for an IP qualified hospital optometrist and ophthalmic pharmacist to join our Clinical Management Guidelines (CMGs) review group to ensure that they are up-to-date, evidence based and accessible.

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.

Acting with honesty and integrity to maintain public trust and confidence in the profession is vital, but as optometry evolves and professionals take on more diverse roles than ever, lines may become blurred. Helen Gilbert investigates how to safeguard against conflicts of interest.

There have been reported cases of novel cluster of Burkholderia cenocepacia with suspected links to specific batches of carbomer containing ocular lubricant gel.

In this updated online CPD course for optometrists you will be given the background to four patients and will complete a series of activities related to each case.

Independent prescribing optometrists can establish a diagnosis and determine clinical management, providing better care to patients, writes Georgina Wintersgill

MHRA agrees with the College view that chloramphenicol eye drops can be safely administered to children aged 0 to 2 years, where antibiotic eye drop treatment is indicated.

Optometrists with an independent prescribing (IP) qualification are able to clinically assess a patient, establish a diagnosis, determine the clinical management required and prescribe where necessary.

The processes around issuing prescriptions can be confusing. Steve Smethurst asks: what’s required from independent prescribers and what differences divide the UK’s four nations?

Independent prescribers can now get the support to expand their prescribing scope of practice.

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

Many people suffering from hypertension don’t even know they have a problem. But in the right setting, writes Léa Surugue, Optometrists can be part of the solution.

We responded to a Royal Pharmaceutical Society consultation on a competency framework for all prescribers.

Clinical files: As an IP optometrist, am I able to prescribe medicines for family members who attend the practice with an acute eye condition?

As sharps become more common in optometric practice, Léa Surugue shows how to handle the risks.

These are designed to support providers in developing qualifications to meet the GOC’s Education and Training Requirements for therapeutic prescribing contact lens specialisms.

Clinical files: Can I prescribe and supply cyclopentolate to patients affected by uveitis?

Which elements are key to the process of shared decision-making between clinician and patient? Georgina Wintersgill reports.

Did you know the College has a full online events programme available just for members? Book your space now!

Clinical files: Can I prescribe medicines for intravitreal injection for the management of wet AMD patients?

No one became an optometrist because they enjoyed keeping records, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a vital skill, says Steve Smethurst.

This week, the GOC agreed to the College’s proposal for a more flexible approach to meeting logbook requirements for optometrists training to be independent prescribers.

Clinical files: Can I prescribe medication for a different use than it is licensed for?

Adrian O’Dowd considers what optometrists should bear in mind when prescribing treatments that may have serious side effects.

Clinical files: Can I supply prescription only medicines to my patients from my practice?

Paddy Gunn MCOptom, Principal Optometrist for Education and Training at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, explains how his research will help relieve burdens in glaucoma care.

Clinical files: As a non-prescribing optometrist how can I supply chloramphenicol to my patient for prophylaxis?

The clinical figures that count.

Podcast: Dr Paramdeep Singh Bilkhu MCOptom talks about why allergic conjunctivitis is likely to be underdiagnosed; how to choose the best medication for your patients; and much more.

A&E optometrists can see everything from DIY mishaps to domestic violence in a day's work, writes Steve Smethurst.

Use our online resources and materials to support your continuing professional development and earn essential CPD points.

AI is pushing the boundaries of diagnosis, but are we on the verge of an antimicrobial dark age?

The Optometrists' Formulary data sheets provide prescribing information on all drugs currently available to optometrists, helping you to deal efficiently with patients' eye conditions.

Georgina Wintersgill asks what optometrists should consider when seeing pregnant women.

Welcome to the UK's leading optometry conference - our flagship CPD event!

A safe space with a culture of transparency can prevent whistleblowing issues in the first place, writes Kim Thomas. But what should optometrists do if they need to highlight malpractice?

Clinical files: When prescribing, supplying, or administering medications, should I always ask female patients whether they are pregnant?

We are all guilty of unconscious bias, but recognising our hidden prejudice is the first step to better patient relationships, writes Kathy Oxtoby.

Sharon Beatty MCOptom explains how the development of an innovative clinical model in Cardiff and south-east Wales is improving eye care services for all stakeholders.

Dr Cindy Tromans FCOptom explains how she combines her global roles with her day job on the UK front line.

The eye is second only to the liver as the most common site to be affected by drug toxicity.

Jane Veys MCOptom on reducing the tears and fears of our patients

Kathy Oxtoby asks what optometrists need to know about antimicrobial resistance.

Professionalism – ethical, patient-centred, communicative behaviour – is just as essential as any other dimension of practice, says Becky McGall.

Natalie Healey looks at how new clinical and business skills can help retain and attract patients.

A message from Clinical Editor Kieran Loft MCOptom

Léa Surugue looks at the dynamic expansion of next-generation artificial tears, and asks what other tailored products are emerging.

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members.