12.10pm - 1.10pm
Sponsor Session
LECTURE & DISCUSSION: The role of osmolarity in dry eye disease - Positive Impact
CPD
2

LECTURE & DISCUSSION

The role of osmolarity in diagnosing and managing dry eye disease - Positive Impact

CPD ref: C-101919

Description: This presentation questions whether simply counting to 10 and adding a drop of dye in the eye, really cuts it in a modern dry eye practice. It will review osmolarity and how understanding and measuring it can aid the diagnosis, as much by ruling out dry eye disease as ruling it in. It will review peer reviewed papers evaluating the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the devices available. It will also evaluate its role in the ongoing management of dry eye patients by communicating to the patient the progress they are making (or not as the case may be) to support continued compliance with management therapies and/or why there is a need to change the treatment regime.
The session has approximately 40 mins of presentation and then 20 mins of discussion in small groups, during which the speaker will correct any misunderstandings and answer any questions. Delegates will complete a reflective learning statement.

Target audience: Optometrist, Contact lens optician

Domains and learning outcomes
Communication
Understanding the role osmolarity measurement plays in the confirming and communicating the diagnosis of dry eye disease to patients
Understanding the role osmolarity measurement plays in the ongoing management of dry eye patients by communicating to the patient the progress they are making (or not as the case may be)
Clinical practice
Review the importance of a stable tear film
Understand normal and non-normal osmolarity and its measurement
Understand the role of osmolarity in both diagnosis and management.
Explore the role of osmolarity in differential diagnosis.
Consider the role of osmolarity in contact lens induced dry eye (CLIDE).
Compare the differences between alternative measurement devices

Speaker

Nick Atkins

Nick Atkins is a contact lens optician with over 40 years’ experience in the optical business. He has worked on both sides of the ophthalmic industry, initially in practice and later moving to the industry side with Bausch & Lomb where he spent 10 years in professional services and marketing roles.

Nick is a Past President and an inaugural Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), where he has also served 3-terms on its Council. He is formerly a director of the board and a contact lens practical examiner for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

Widely regarded as a key opinion leader in the UK optical sector, he has lectured extensively on clinical and business-related subjects throughout Europe, the UK and Ireland. He is a past member of the Ciba Vision Faculty and a Visiting Tutor at the Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Institute.

Nick has lectured extensively on clinical and business-related subjects throughout Europe, the UK and Ireland. He has co-authored and written numerous clinical papers and articles and coordinated studies including the landmark EASE (Enhancing the Approach to Selecting Eyewear) study, examining the effect of using contact lenses to help with choosing glasses.

Post B&L, Nick provided consultancy services to both sides of the optical business. Currently he is co-founder and Managing Director at Positive Impact (PI). PI distributes a range of specialist products including contact lenses and dry eye diagnostics and treatments.