15 May 2020

What should I do if a patient phones the practice noticing flashes and/or floaters?

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

We are used to patients contacting the practice noticing flashes and/or floaters. Normally we ask them to come into the practice for a dilated indirect fundal examination, but with the social distancing measures, should we still be doing this? 

Our Clinical Adviser, Dr Sue Blakeney FCOptom, answers this query in the latest Clinical Files.

Every month our advisers share a professional, clinical or ethical question, complete with their expert advice and useful links to additional information. The COVID-19 crisis, and our lives in lockdown, has given Daniel, and Dr Susan Blakeney FCOptom, the opportunity to explore the more out-of-the-ordinary queries that reflect the adapted ways in which members are currently practising.

Read the full answer now

Members can contact the College's clinical advisers with queries during office hours. Email or call 020 7766 4372.

Members can also can access our Guidance for Professional Practice offline using our app. Download now on iOS and Android devices. 

This article was correct at time of publication. 

Related further reading

Using PR to share patient stories can highlight the benefits of going to an optometric practice, says Kellie Smith.

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

Offering your skills to local communities abroad can be a life-changing experience. In the final article in a mini-series on volunteering in optometry, Sophie Goodchild looks at what optometrists need to consider before they go.