Docet webinar: Common corneal conditions - What every optometrist needs to know!

Domains covered

Communication Clinical practice

As optometrists, we examine the cornea as a routine part of eye examinations. How good are we at interpreting some of the subtle changes that we observe and identifying corneal dystrophies and degenerations?

Recently there have been several cases of confusion over the appropriate timing of referral for keratoconus in young patients, resulting in potential fitness to practice complaints.

This one-hour webinar, funded by Docet and managed by The College of Optometrists, looks at common corneal conditions encountered in community practice that require monitoring, management or referral by optometrists.

Professor Sai Kolli will cover the pathology, signs and symptoms, investigation, and management of conditions such as keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Optometrists will receive guidance on which patients need to be referred, which are appropriate for monitoring or management in the community. He will also look at the impact of any of these conditions when referring patients for treatment such as cataract and refractive surgery.

This webinar is targeted towards community optometrists so they can improve their skills and confidence identifying these conditions in practice. They will gain a better understanding of treatment options available so they can explain them effectively to their patients.

Question and answer session
At the end of the webinar, Professor Kolli will answer some of the live questions raised during the talk.

You will be able to claim one interactive CPD point after attending this live session.

Domains and learning outcomes

Communication

s.2 Communicate effectively with patients

Understands common corneal conditions and their management and so able to explain them effectively to patients

Clinical Practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understands the basic pathology of common corneal disorders
Able to apply knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology and pathology when interpreting clinical symptoms, signs and investigations of patient presenting with corneal conditions
Understands and able to administer appropriate treatments for these conditions where appropriate

s.6 Recognise and work within your limits of competence

Able to recognise the limits of their competence and know when it is appropriate to seek the opinion from a corneal specialist

s.7 Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals

Able to Investigate and manage common corneal conditions presenting to optometrists including keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy and other corneal conditions

Professor Sai Kolli

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, University Hospitals Birmingham MA(Cantab) MBBChir FRCOphth PGDipCat&Ref(Distinction) PhD

Professor Kolli is a highly trained and skilled consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years of professional experience. He is the lead consultant for cataract and corneal surgery at University Hospitals Birmingham. Furthermore, he is one of the few consultants who have been fellowship trained in corneal and external disease as well as cataract and refractive surgery. He also regularly performs laser eye surgery, vision correction surgery, premium lens surgery and treatment for dry eye.

Professor Kolli graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Cambridge followed by the acquisition of his membership of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) in 2001. In 2005, he became a Fellow of the RCOphth and, in 2009, he achieved his PhD award after three years of academic research in stem cell biology. He completed his specialist training at Moorfields Eye Hospital where he started as a consultant in 2010.

As a national expert in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery, he lectures across the UK and internationally to share his experience and research with many medical professionals.