Search results for Low vision

Innovative help for a patient with retinitis pigmentosa suffering from disability and discomfort glare.

Join us for our upcoming campaign where we will be highlighting the importance of good vision, eye health, and helping the public to #FocusOnLife.

The virtual Hospital Eye Service experience replaces the in-person experience pre-registration trainees would normally have gained in a hospital setting.

The College provides the latest news, research, advice and guidance on low vision, and all the key optical topics. These are regularly reviewed to ensure you are completely up-to-date with your practice.

Clinical files: Do I have to refer an asymptomatic patient with a small pigment epithelial detachment (PED)?

In the second part of our series looking at the impact of ageing, Léa Suruge asks how to support older patients whose quality of life has been affected by age-related eye disease, and reviews the treatments available.

The Low Vision Service Wales (LVSW) was founded in 2004 with the aim of providing a better quality of care, available closer to people’s homes and without long waits.

CCEHC survey highlights need to review commissioning and provision of low vision services to deliver more accessible and integrated care for patients in England.

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

A message from Leon Davies, College President - Autumn 2022.

Clinicians should be aware of the impact of eye disease on the person as a whole.

The College of Optometrists has created and published templates for the collection of minimum patient data in two areas of secondary care, refractive error and low vision.

This online course is an interactive half-day session for pre-registration optometrists who have been unable to complete their hospital eye service (HES) placement.

Clinical Editor Kieran Loft MCOptom and Consultant Neuro-ophthalmologist James Benzimra FRCOphth discuss a case of toxic nutritional optic neuropathy.

This article explains the importance of magnifiers and guides the uninitiated through the implications of basic associated formulae.

The College of Optometrists President Professor Leon Davies FCOptom and Professor Kathryn Saunders FCOptom, Trustee and Council Representative for Northern Ireland, have written to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health NI.

A College-accredited higher qualification will equip you for new challenges and responsibilities, and support your continuing professional development and career progression.

Michelle Hanratty, Senior Optometrist at Optegra Birmingham Eye Hospital, on finding macular lesions in a patient at a postoperative assessment, and the ensuing treatment.

This article outlines some of the principal tests and strategies available for the clinical assessment of visually impaired patients that are commonly used and readily available to practising optometrists.

This year's National Eye Health Week will take place from 18 to 24 September 2023, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all.

Podcast: Martin and Daniel bring you a fascinating conversation with Judith Potts, Founder of Esme's Umbrella, and Nina Chesworth who lives with Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

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?

Boost your knowledge and understanding of this essential tool.

The College have written again to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health NI, Mr Peter May following a response to our original letter.

Clinical files: Can my visually impaired patient get TV licence support?

Dr Flors Viñuela-Navarro PhD MCOptom and Dr Francisco Viñuela-Rodriguez FAAO discuss the abnormalities of a pituitary tumour and the diagnosis of such space-occupying lesions.

This review examines the vital role that optometrists have in identifying people with serious visual impairment and facilitating support through referral for certification and registration.

The first ever completely blurred film, Focus on Life is launched today to highlight the national issue of our worsening eyesight and its impact on our lives.

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

Acuity looks at the importance of early diagnosis of keratoconus, and how you can help signpost towards effective treatment and manage the patient over the long term.

The prevalence, clinical characteristics, pathogenesis and management of CBS.

Our Clinical Adviser comments on the BBC story about gene therapy to treat inherited retinal dystrophies.

Podcast: Daniel and Martin speak to College scholars, Dr Keziah Latham FCOptom and Dr Jane MacNaughton FCOptom about their research paper, asking if patient-identified ‘comfortable’ print size is a useful clinical parameter for low vision reading assessment.

Dr David Robert Grimes looks at the eye health issues that are making the news.

This article examines the process of clinical audit of adult low vision rehabilitation services and current knowledge of evidence-based best practice.

In the September issue of Optometry in Practice, we discuss the importance of establishing a new framework for eye care in special schools

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Subjects covered include: Intraocular lenses, visual fields,consent, the Welsh Low Vision Service and contact lens manufacture.

Our Clinical Adviser, Denise Voon MCOptom, tells us how we can take part in the nationwide volunteering initiative, The Big Help Out.

This research identified the most pressing unanswered questions about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sight loss and eye conditions.

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Articles in this edition cover the role of contrast sensitivity measurement in patients with low vision, clinical audit cycle of low vision rehabilitation services,eye movements and vision in congenital nystagmus, essential skills for supervisors, corneal confocal microscopy versus specular microscopy in the evaluation of the corneal endothelium.

We are saddened to read reports that hundreds of patients have lost their sight completely, or had it irreparably damaged because of NHS backlogs in England.

Podcast: Optometrist and researcher Jasleen Kaur Jolly MCOptom talks to Martin about how she got into research, imposter syndrome, how gene therapy works, which conditions are closer to being treated with gene therapy and what that means for optometrists, as well as the brain and the eye.

Articles cover: Low vision; HES case studies, a community ophthalmic service for the management of paediatric refractive eye problems; glaucoma co-management; contact lens devices in the management of corneal and ocular surface disease; and extended roles in hospital optometry.

Tricia competed on the popular BBC series 'Race Across the World' with chorioretinopathy.

Dr David Robert Grimes looks at the eye health issues that are making the news.

Emerging evidence suggests that about one-third of people with a visual impairment which would benefit from a magnifier have significant depressive symptoms.

With nominations deadline for the Research Excellence Awards fast approaching, we’re talking to previous winners about the outstanding research happening in optometry, optics and vision science.

Dr David Robert Grimes looks at the eye health issues that are making the news.

The authors present a case report of an 89-year-old Caucasian female, with visual impairment, displaying symptoms of Charles Bonnet syndrome.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched a new framework to support low vision clinics.

Dr David Robert Grimes looks at the eye health issues that are making the news.

This article provides high-level summary information on the changing demographics of the ageing population and associated disability.

Souleyman Bah, a contestant on The Apprentice who was fired last night, has a rare eye condition called RP.

Eye health issues that are making the news.

It is important for community optometrists to understand the range of electronic vision enhancement systems available, and how they can be obtained, so as to be able to signpost their patients to appropriate help.

Souleyman Bah, a contestant in The Apprentice has a rare eye condition called RP.

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

This review identifies risk factors and highlights the demographic and socioeconomic drives for falls reduction strategies.

NES Optometry is the first non-university provider to be accredited by The College of Optometrists to deliver the Professional Certificate in Low Vision.

Adrian O’Dowd examines whether it is time for a change that will enable optometrists to certify patients as visually impaired.

In this article we will outline the importance of developing standards for affordable and accessible low-vision service delivery that can be applied globally and that are relevant to both the developed and developing world.

Dr Keziah Latham, the low vision specialist, discusses how teaching, research and clinical practice are interlinked.

A review the provision of current services and the proposals for change.

Gordon Ilett tells us about his career, his experience on charitable and professional bodies, and his new position as Chair of the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee.

All eye care practitioners should have the knowledge to be able to signpost and refer patients to relevant rehabilitation services in their area that may benefit them.

A common cause of sight loss in the UK, uncorrected refractive error is easy to remedy, particularly if caught early. So, Kim Thomas asks, why do so many people live with uncorrected refractive error – and what can optometrists do to address it?

This article uses case studies to appraise low-vision service provision and how it can be enhanced by a multidisciplinary approach.

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.

Optical devices are commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive low-vision evaluation in clinics throughout the UK and can improve quality of life in people with visual impairment.

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 discusses the determination of magnification needs for reading in low vision patients.

Prashant Shah MCOptom PGDipOphth DipClinOptom examines the case of a patient presenting with a homonymous visual field defect eventually diagnosed as a grade 4 brain tumour.

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

It’s crucial to show empathy towards patients who are visually impaired. Kellie Smith explores how clinicians can get it right.

This article describes the relationship between visual impairment and dizziness and falls in older people.

Charles Bonnet syndrome is typically associated with elderly patients but new research shows children are not immune either. Helen Gilbert investigates.

Childhood visual impairment has implications for many aspects of the child’s development, including education and social interactions.

The Low Vision Service Wales has proved a lifeline for patients since it was set up 18 years ago. Helen Gilbert explores the secrets behind its success and the lessons other countries can learn.

This case study shows how selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) resulted in an improvement in ocular symptoms in a patient with ocular surface disease secondary to treatment for glaucoma.

Evidence for the importance of measuring contrast sensitivity - specifically in patients with low vision.

The clinical figures that count.

How the Welsh Low Vision Service works to ensure everyone needing low-vision rehabilitation in Wales can access an effective service in a local optometry practice.

The purpose of this article is to review the impact of visual field loss on everyday life, outline the properties of an ideal visual field test for the low-vision assessment, and review currently available methods of functional field assessment.

The clinical figures that count.

This article explores the evolution of visual acuity testing from early techniques to the current ‘gold standard’.

Abstracts from the online Women in Vision UK Annual Meeting 2022 are presented.

Andrew Bastawrous talks about bringing eye care to some of the poorest people on Earth.

How should optometrists tackle presbyopia solutions with patients, ask Georgina Wintersgill and Kieran Loft MCOptom.

Rima Evans looks at the work of those offering practical support and rehabilitation for people with visual impairment

Smartphone and tablet vision tests are widely used by optometrists and patients in the US, while robust legislation prevents their use in the UK. But will this always be the case? Carolyn Scott looks for answers.

With the Paralympics underway in Tokyo, Kathy Oxtoby reports on how patients with low vision can enjoy exercise and sport, and the benefits that go beyond keeping limber.

Visual impairment is common after a stroke, but optometrists can help patients rehabilitate optically and by recommending effective online therapies, writes John Windell.

A glance at what’s happening in the world of technology.

A glance at what’s happening in the world of technology.

What's happening in the world of technology.

A glance at what’s happening in the world of technology - Autumn 2022.

A glance at what’s happening in the world of technology - Spring 2023.

The average age of those with symptoms of posterior cortical atrophy is 58. Kathy Oxtoby asks how optometrists can spot the signs.

Summaries of two research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.

Here we summarise three research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.

As coordinator of the Vision Loss Expert Group, Professor Rupert Bourne has helped international bodies access accurate population-based data about eye health. Now he’s turning his attention closer to home.

Adrian O’Dowd looks at how large-scale, digitised and sophisticated data in optometry is helping to improve care.

Helen Gilbert asks what are the signs of depression you should look for among those with low vision and how optometrists can help them

Key statistics from the WHO World report on vision 2019.

Adrian O’Dowd examines to what extent wide-angle fundus images and OCT, coupled with the impact of the pandemic, might replace the need for direct observation through retinal exams.