Welcome to the Winter edition of Acuity. The potential eye care applications for the “miracle material” graphene is the subject of our inspiring cover article. Reading this allowed me to reflect on the significant advances that have been possible in eye care as a result of the work done with materials scientists and those working in the field of advanced manufacturing technology. Collaborative efforts have produced positive benefits for patients in contact lenses, intraocular lenses and drug delivery mechanisms.
Our ability to work alongside scientists from other fields is vital in the development of eye care, as is the ability of practitioners to understand their application and be able to discuss these advancements with our patients.
Collaborative efforts have produced positive benefits for patients in contact lenses, intraocular lenses and drug delivery mechanisms
Advances in science provide us all with the opportunity to develop our careers and practice. We interview Dr Cindy Tromans FCOptom of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and Dr Keziah Latham FCOptom of Anglia Ruskin University and hear how their research interests have helped them develop roles in teaching and hospital optometry, as well as, in Cindy’s case, taking on representative and even international roles in optometry.
Continuing our ongoing theme of communication skills, you can read our article on how best to handle difficult conversations with patients. As we know, it can be a challenge to get the correct balance in some of those difficult conversations, particularly when delivering bad news.
Our “How would you” page features a discussion around the nuanced area of issuing low power or borderline prescriptions. I would also like to remind readers of the related, College-funded research around changes to prescriptions.
Many of you have already increased, or are contemplating increasing the scope of the services you offer in practice. Our features on monitoring and implementing sharps policies and blood pressure provide insightful pause for thought for anyone thinking about pursuing one of these routes.
This will be the last edition of Acuity during my time as College President.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the journal, and will continue, as I will, to find it useful and inspiring in developing your future practice and career.
