Gene therapy is one of the most exciting areas of modern medicine. In eye care, they promise to restore the vision of patients with both rare genetic eye diseases, such as a certain type of inherited retinal dystrophy, as well as more common conditions that have genetic components, like AMD.  In this episode, Michelle Hanratty uncovers how gene therapies work with Omar Mahoo, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital and University College London. Michelle also hears about the first NHS approved ocular gene therapy programme, with Robert Henderson, a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Robert demonstrates the impact that gene therapies can have on patients and how optometrists can play an important role in supporting these treatments. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Half of the population experience menopause, but its effects are wide-ranging and poorly understood. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty investigates how menopause can affect the eye — from inflammatory changes, such as blepharitis, to dry eye disease and even an association with glaucoma. Michelle examines the scientific research with Stuti Misra, an Associate Professor in ophthalmology at University of Auckland. Plus, Julia Sen, a consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, joins Michelle to explain how understanding menopause will enable more empathetic and effective communication with patients.  If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Complaints are a normal part of a patient-facing industry, like optometry — from problems with prescriptions to quibbles about customer service. Therefore, handling complaints in a professional manner is an essential part of the GOC’s Standards of Practice. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty hears from Dawn Slocombe, a Complaints Resolution Manager at the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS), about how complaints are processed through their service and why communication is the key. Michelle also asks Richard Edwards, the Clinical Consultant for the OCCS, how to manage your complaints process better, to avoid any issues escalating. In addition, Richard describes how optometrists can reduce the likelihood of a complaint happening in the first place. Thanks also to Roshni Kanabar from the Association of Optometrists (AOP). This podcast expands on Docet’s “Leadership is not hierarchical” webinar, in which Richard Edwards was the speaker. Richard answers many of the follow-up questions that optometrists sent in.  If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Leadership & Accountability. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

In optometry, exciting new products or treatments are constantly coming onto the market. As practitioners, we need to keep our knowledge up-to-date, so that we can offer solutions to our patients if they present with an ocular condition. But is the evidence strong enough to make a recommendation or to provide that treatment?  In this episode, Michelle Hanratty taps into the expertise of IP optometrists Paramdeep Bilkhu and Alan Hawrami. As a Clinical Advisor at the College of Optometrists, Paramdeep explains how he interrogates research evidence to produce Clinical Management Guidelines and how to ensure that clinical practice is evidence-based and patient-centred. Meanwhile Alan, as the director of two practices providing community ophthalmology in Kent, discusses what he would consider before investing in a new treatment or instrument and the importance of clear communication when obtaining patient consent. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Ocular allergy can be more complicated than the seasonal conjunctivitis that optometrists see frequently in practice. To treat allergic reactions effectively, it’s important to understand how the immune system works. In this episode, Michelle and Dr Peter Frampton, an optometrist at Aaron Optometrists in the North of England, discuss the four types of immune reactions, or “allergies”, that can be expected in practice. Michelle also speaks to Eleaonor, one of Peter’s patients, who had interstitial keratitis as a result of a long-term herpes zoster infection. Peter explains why, perhaps unexpectedly, this case is actually an allergic response.  If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication, Clinical Practice and Independent prescribing. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Children with special educational needs (SEN) are 28 times more likely to have a problem with their vision—or how their brains interpret vision—than their peers. It’s essential that optometrists understand how to make appointments as successful as possible for SEN children and their families. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Ellie Hughes, Assistant Headteacher and Sensory Impairment Lead at Chellow Heights Special School, what clinicians can do to help SEN children feel more comfortable in consulting rooms. Plus, Rachel Pilling, a Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Professor at the University of Bradford, explains why “success” in eye appointments should be measured against different metrics for SEN children. The most important outcome should be that patients are put on the pathway to lifelong eyecare.  This podcast serves as a follow-up to the first Docet webinar in 2024: Assessing children with special educational needs, in which Rachel Pilling was the speaker. Rachel answers many of the questions optometrists asked in the webinar. Find Michelle and Rachel’s recommended reading materials by searching for “Sound Optometry” on the Docet website. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, and the dry form is the most common type of the condition. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty visits a community practice in Harborne, Birmingham, to meet optometrist Bradley Warwick. Brad specialises in dry AMD, so Michelle and Brad discuss how to manage and counsel patients with the condition that currently has no treatment options. Later, one of Brad’s patients, Martin, joins the conversation to discuss how he copes with the gradual progression of dry AMD and geographic atrophy.  Finally, Michelle looks to the future to find some good news: the first treatments for dry AMD became available in the US last year. Clare Bailey, a consultant ophthalmologist at Bristol Eye Hospital, explains how the treatments work, which patients they would be most suitable for and the role that optometrists would play in referring patients. The two treatments are not yet approved for use in the UK, but Clare explains that a decision should be made in 2024. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Laser treatments are a great way for optometrists to learn new skills and add some variety to day-to-day practice. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty brings us into her YAG laser capsulotomy clinic in Birmingham, where she treats posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery. Michelle walks us through an appointment with a patient, demonstrating how quick and effective the treatment can be, as well as explaining the potential risks involved. Michelle’s colleague, Steven Burge, an optometrist at Optegra in Birmingham and Uttoxeter, who recently completed his YAG laser training, explains what the training process was like and how it’s a particularly rewarding advanced optometric role.  Finally, Michelle chats to Don Williams, an optometrist at Edgbaston Eye Clinic, who trained in SLT to treat ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Don explains why SLT is such a useful tool in controlling intraocular pressure and upskilling in this form of laser treatment can improve optometrists' overall understanding of the eye and their clinical skills.  All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Over 400,000 cataract procedures are done every year in England alone and the surgery is also one of the most successful in modern medicine. But complications can still occur, for a number of reasons. With optometrists becoming ever more involved with cataract surgery patient pathways — from direct referral to postoperative care — in this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores the risk and complications that optometrists should be aware of. Michelle’s expert guest is David Lockington, a Consultant Ophthalmologist and cornea and cataract surgeon in Glasgow, Scotland. David and Michelle discuss the risks associated with every stage of cataract surgery and how to better communicate decisions and expectations with patients.  All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Myopia can be much more than just shortsightedness. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to her friend Kathryn, who has severe myopia, to find out how the condition can cause further ocular health problems, like macular degeneration.  Two years ago on the podcast, we explored how optometrists should play an active role in myopia management using contact lenses. Listen to that episode here. Since then, more research has been published on the effectiveness of myopia management lenses and there have been further innovations of the technologies that can slow the progression of myopia. This month, Michelle catches up with Kathryn Webber, an optometrist and the clinical lead for myopia management at the University of Bradford, to understand the options better — this time focussing on spectacles. Michelle also asks Kathryn about the updated College of Optometrists guidelines, published in August 2022, about managing myopia.  Finally, we hear from Quratulain, the mother of two highly myopic children, who have been using Hoya’s MiYOSMART spectacles — and why these technologies could make a real difference. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Regular eye screening for the more than 4 million people in the UK with diabetes is essential. The chronic condition is difficult to manage, but high blood sugar over time can damage the blood vessels in the retina. These changes to the eye can be detected by retinal photography, yet diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness, because it typically isn’t caught — and managed — early enough.  This episode explores how England’s diabetic eye screening services currently work, with Kamran Rajaby, a Senior Retinal Screener Grader at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Michelle Hanratty also looks to the future, by discussing the role that artificial intelligence can begin to play in detecting retinal changes, with Dr Cathy Egan, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Finally, Michelle discusses the treatment options and pathways for problematic diabetic eye disease with Sajjad Mahmood, the medical retina lead for Optegra UK and a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in Manchester.  All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Detecting and diagnosing suspect glaucoma isn’t an exact science, but the stakes are high—undetected or late-diagnosed optic nerve damage can lead to irreversible vision loss. Subtle changes in the optic nerve head can be confusing, though, so as an optometrist, being confident in your clinical decisions is essential. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty seeks advice on optic disc assessments with Patrick Gunn, an optometrist at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Michelle also asks one of Patrick’s patients, Rajiv Mittal, why optometrist-led care can be beneficial to both patients and secondary care providers.  This episode follows a recent Docet webinar on glaucoma - the optic disc challenge, hosted by Patrick Gunn. Find the course page here. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

One of the side-effects for patients who take hydroxychloroquine, or chloroquine, can be retinal toxicity. The drug is usually taken to help treat rheumatic disorders, but around 7.5% of people who take hydroxychloroquine for over five years are thought to develop retinopathy. That’s why regular monitoring of the eyes is essential. Typically, monitoring takes place in secondary care, however primary care optometry can now play a more useful role – and optometrists can help to highlight the first stages of decline earlier. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Sharon Beatty, an optometrist, and Sonia, a patient, about a pilot monitoring scheme in optometry across the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in Wales. Michelle also dives deeper with Rhianon Reynolds, a consultant ophthalmologist within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. They discuss how the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines changed in 2020 – away from baseline monitoring – and towards more targeted tests. The AOP has also recently updated its advice on community monitoring for patients who take hydroxychloroquine.  This episode was suggested by Janice McCrudden, an IP optometrist in Northern Ireland, who explains to Michelle why she was surprised to hear about the rapid deterioration of a patient’s ocular health.  All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Leadership in optometry can take many forms - from solving a patient’s complaint successfully, to managing a team of optometrists, to dealing with our busy workflows. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Mat Pickering, the General Manager of Optegra UK, how optometrists can become leaders in the workplace. Michelle is the Optometrist Lead at Optegra in Birmingham, and the pair discuss the multiple aspects of lead roles and what leadership really means for all optometrists. Next, Michelle is joined by Brian McCotter, an optometrist in Darlington who has experience in professional services and practice management. Brian was also a speaker at Docet’s March 2023 webinar, which asked: Are all optometrists clinical leaders? Michelle and Brian follow-up on the webinar, discussing supervision, patient records and how to maintain a safe patient-environment - which are key aspects of the Leadership and Accountability GOC domain. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Leadership and Accountability. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

The impact of severe ​​dry eye or ocular surface disease on quality of life has been compared to someone who’s had a renal transplant or unstable angina. In this episode, we hear how dry eye disease affected both the ocular and mental health of patient Dave Cannell. For optometrists, dry eye can be tricky to manage and patients may need to be referred to hospital eye services. Michelle Hanratty explores the role that optometrists should play in managing these conditions with Professor Sai Kolli, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. We also hear from dry eye specialist optometrist Sarah Farrant again. Sai and Sarah explain how optometry can be best utilised for managing and treating ocular surface diseases, to reduce the burden on NHS hospitals. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC competencies - Clinical Practice and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Mental health isn’t usually the first consideration in optometrists’ minds when they see patients. But with conditions like anxiety and depression on the rise, optometrists, as primary healthcare providers, should be on the lookout for mental health concerns and how to point patients in the right direction. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks optometrist Sarah Farrant and her patient Christine Lanaghan how to talk about mental health in practice. Christine also uses her experience as an integrated counsellor to suggest resources for patients who might be struggling. Plus, Michelle investigates the relationship between mental health and ocular health with Dr Dennis Pardo, an optometrist and psychotherapist in Massachusetts. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC competencies - Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists. Find a registered British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy counsellor at https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/using-our-therapist-directory/. 

Visual field tests can be invaluable when trying to explain a patient’s symptoms, like headaches, or detecting early disease, from glaucoma to stroke, or rarer neurological conditions, such as pituitary tumours. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Stephen Freeman, an optometrist and lecturer at the University of Plymouth, when to be suspicious and what steps to take to investigate non-glaucomatous visual field defects in practice. Afterwards, Michelle is joined by Dr Lindsay Rountree, Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford, to explore the interpretation of field plots in detail. She also answers the questions put to her by the attendees of the recent webinar on the same topic. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Mental health conditions can affect anyone and can have a negative impact on optometrists’ work. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses these implications with Sheena Tanna-Shah, an optometrist who retrained in therapy after her own experience with anxiety. Also, avoiding stress and burnout at work can help to reduce the risk of mental health conditions – and makes working as an optometrist much more enjoyable. Dr Rachel Morris, a former GP-turned-executive-coach shares her tips and tricks to stay on top of your wellbeing at work.  All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC competencies - Professionalism and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Coming across eyelid lesions is an everyday occurrence for optometrists, but distinguishing them from each other can be a challenge. In this episode, we hear from Nina, who had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on her lower eyelid. Michelle Hanratty then explores the various types of malignant and benign lesions that could present in practice, with Mr Raman Malhotra, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. They discuss how to decide which lesion a patient might have, and if, and how urgently, they need to be referred. Raman also answers some of the questions put to him by the attendees of the recent webinar on the same topic. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC competencies - Communication, Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Paediatric eye conditions can often leave optometrists concerned and confused about how to manage patients. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores both inflammatory and infectious causes of corneal disease in children. Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Michael O’Gallagher of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast explains how vernal keratoconjunctivitis differs from blepharokeratoconjunctivitis, and how to best detect and treat children with the conditions. We also hear from a six year old patient, Joshua, and his mother, Diane, about Joshua’s experience of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and its flare-ups. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC competencies - Communication, Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Uveitis is thought to cause around 15% of severe sight loss in the UK. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores both punctate inner choroidopathy or PIC, a form of posterior uveitis, and the more common presentation of anterior uveitis, with Consultant Ophthalmologist Professor Alastair Denniston and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Dr Balini Balasubramaniam, from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. We also hear about patient Alison’s lived-experience with PIC and what may have improved the accuracy and speed of her diagnosis. (A fundus image and OCT scan showing Alison's PIC is available on the course page.) All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains: Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing high quality, continuing professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Many optometrists will have experienced a patient calling and saying that they suddenly can't see. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty travels to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital to explore the loss of vision, focussing on artery and vein occlusions, with optometrists Helen Wilson and Amanda Harding. The discussion addresses how optometrists can ensure that people can access care in the most efficient way. Michelle also asks a patient, called Helen, about her experience with a branch retinal artery occlusion. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains:  Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing high quality, continuing professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Fitting contact lenses might be a straightforward task, but modern contact lens practice  is constantly evolving. Last year, the British Contact Lens Association released a series of reports, called CLEAR, to help harness the most recent contact lens research and modernise contact lens practice, in an evidence-based manner. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the CLEAR reports’ findings with Professor James Wolffsohn, the Executive Chair of the CLEAR reports and Head of Optometry at Aston University. Michelle also discusses the resources that can put theory into practice with Neil Retallic, President of the British Contact Lens Association, and she puts optometrists’ questions to him, following his recent Docet webinar.  This podcast will provide some highlights of the research, but is primarily aimed at encouraging further reading. You can find the full CLEAR reports in the Contact Lens and Anterior Eye journal, the Summary report on the BCLA’s website or summaries of each individual report, published by Contact Lens Update. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains:  Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing high quality, continuing professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

The four nations of the UK each have their own Enhanced Optometric Services. This is the second of two episodes which explore how these pathways benefit patients, practitioners and the NHS. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores the services available in Scotland with Kathryn Trimmer, an IP optometrist based in Grampian, and in Northern Ireland with Mairead O’Kane, an IP optometrist based in Omagh. We also talk to a patient called Doug, who used the enhanced service in Scotland when he was diagnosed with uveitis, and continues to visit the optometrist when the condition flares up. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains: Professionalism, Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing. Docet - dedicated to providing high quality, continuing professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

The four nations of the UK each have their own Enhanced Optometric Services. This is the first of two episodes which explore how these pathways benefit patients, practitioners and the NHS. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the Enhanced Optometric Services in Wales with Clare Pearce, an optometrist based in Cardiff and in England with Kevin Liu, an IP optometrist based in Greater Manchester. We also hear about the experience of Ffion, who used the Wales Eye Care Service (WECS) due to a foreign body incident while playing at school. Ffion’s mother, Ruth, discusses their experience after using the service. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains: Professionalism, Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing. Docet - dedicated to providing high quality, continuing professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Binocular Vision disorders present themselves frequently to optometrists but the most appropriate solution is not always obvious. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the path to single vision with Dr Aleks Mankowska, an optometrist and lecturer in the Bradford School of Optometry and Vision Science. We also hear about the experience of Eleanor, who was treated for excessive convergence. This podcast relates to and builds on a recent webinar from Docet, which can be accessed by all GOC registered optometrists here. All GOC-registered optometrists can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain: Clinical Practice and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing high quality, continuing professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Vitreomacular conditions can be sight-threatening if they are not picked up by practitioners. In this episode, optometrist Michelle Hanratty speaks to Mr Kam Balaggan, consultant ophthalmologist and consultant vitreoretinal surgeon. They discuss how to recognise vitreomacular disorders and how to decide when referral is required. Also, to gain an insight from a patient’s perspective, they explore the story of Andy Parkes, who was diagnosed with epiretinal membrane and underwent several surgical procedures. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Glaucoma is a difficult condition to diagnose. Optometrist Michelle Hanratty discusses referral dilemmas and the impact of the NHS backlog with optometrist, Paddy Gunn, and consultant ophthalmologist, Mr Imran Masood.  Paddy Gunn, Principal Optometrist Education and Training at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, has a specialist qualification in glaucoma. Mr Imran Masood is director of the glaucoma service at Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of infection control measures in all professions. As optometrists, there are particularly important precautions to take. In this episode, optometrist Michelle Hanratty discusses the mechanisms of transmission for respiratory infections, gastrointestinal pathogens and eye illnesses with microbiologist Dr Conor Meehan. They also discuss the recommended measures to stay safe in practice. And Michelle explores a life-changing case of viral conjunctivitis with consultant ophthalmologist Arijit Mitra. Mr Mitra reflects on how to minimise the risk when seeing infectious patients. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and professional development to all UK registered optometrists.

Discovering a new ocular lesion whilst carrying out an eye examination can lead to a management dilemma for optometrists. Michelle Hanratty talks to Professor Heinrich Heimann, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Clinical Lead of the Ocular Oncology Unit at Royal Liverpool Hospital. They discuss what to look out for, when to monitor and when to refer patients that optometrists suspect might have a tumour. We also hear from a patient, Deborah, who first noticed that her eye looked bloodshot and was eventually diagnosed with a conjunctival melanoma. This podcast relates to and builds on a webinar from Docet, which can be accessed by GOC registered optometrists here. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

Myopia is thought to affect half of the population by 2050, which is why management from optometrists is required, to potentially reduce the extent of myopic progression in patients. Michelle Hanratty talks to Professor Ed Mallen about the threat of this “epidemic”, before we hear from a patient, Elodie, and her mother, Elizabeth, about the impact that MiSight lenses have had on their lives. Michelle then asks optometrist Kathryn Webber, manager of the Myopia Management Clinic at Bradford University, how to play an active role in myopia control. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

Early keratoconic corneal changes can start even before the age of 10 and those that are at risk are mostly not detected until the condition is moderately advanced. The only way to pick these patients up early is to routinely screen for keratoconus in the young population at their routine eye examinations and it could be as easy as using an autorefractor-topographer. Hear more about the detection and management of keratoconus as Michelle Hanratty talks to Optometrist, Yahya Vali and Consultant Ophthalmologist, Damian Lake. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

In this episode, we hear about a clinical scenario where a case of idiopathic intracranial hypertension led to severe visual symptoms and bilateral optic disc swelling. Michelle Hanratty then recaps the key features of papilloedema, its presentation and causes with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Denize Atan before looking at the differential diagnoses. The second part of the episode concentrates on the unilateral causes of optic disc swelling. Dr Atan discusses the features of optic neuropathies and how the symptoms and clinical findings are different to papilloedema. The episode concludes with advice to optometrists on the referral of these patients. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists. 

In a special edition, optometrist Michelle Hanratty talks to Consultant Ophthalmologist, Arijit Mitra, about his personal experience of developing a unilateral cataract at a relatively young age and what it was like to be operated on by a friend. They are joined by Ajai Tyagi, who gives an insight into the preoperative surgical assessment and his thought process when operating on both colleagues and patients. The episode includes advice from both surgeons on the referral and postoperative care of cataract patients. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

What if you witness something that you feel puts patients at risk – an unsafe practice or procedure you’re not happy with? This month optometrist Michelle Hanratty discusses the concepts of Speaking Up and Whistleblowing with David Hewlett, Group Director at FODO. We also hear from someone unhappy with the current procedures and speak to Julie Breen, the first primary care Freedom to Speak up Guardian for optometry. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

Conditions of the retina can be genetic or acquired but, even with advanced imaging, it can be challenging for optometrists to decide when people need to be referred. This month optometrist Michelle Hanratty discusses diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD, dry AMD and retinitis pigmentosa with consultant ophthalmologist and specialist in medical retina, Rupal Mojaria. We also hear from Bryan, a patient with wet AMD, about his experiences when he was diagnosed eight years ago.   Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

Most cases of acute red eye are due to fairly benign conditions such as conjunctivitis. However, a small proportion are more serious and require urgent treatment. This month, Michelle Hanratty and consultant ophthalmologist David Lockington discuss the challenges of differentiating between the two. Plus, optometrist Robert Longhurst talks about the rise of viral conjunctivitis as COVID reached the UK earlier this year.  Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

Managing binocular vision is important. Eliminating the differentials requires a good theoretical knowledge so it’s essential to keep that knowledge fresh. This month, Michelle Hanratty speaks with specialist optometrist Janice McCrudden, from the Belfast Health Trust, to delve deeper into squints and assessing binocular vision in children. Plus, optometrist Neil Constantine-Smith talks about a case of diplopia that was assessed remotely. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

Retinal detachment is one of the most common reasons for “Fitness to Practice” complaints to the General Optical Council. This month, Michelle Hanratty is joined by vitreo-retinal surgeon Steve Lash, and Roshni Kanabar from the Association of Optometrists. The team explore the importance of taking history correctly, communicating with patients successfully, and how to treat those experiencing flashes and floaters.   Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists.

In 2012, optometrist Honey Rose was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter for failing to detect papilloedema. Although later overturned, this conviction shook the optometry profession. This month, Michelle Hanratty and consultant neuro-ophthalmologist Naz Raoof from Moorfields Eye Hospital discuss the tell-tale signs of papilloedema and how to communicate these findings to the patient. Plus optometrist, Louise Watkins, shares her experience of detecting a case last year.  Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists. 

It's hay fever season and DOCET launches Sound Optometry with the timely topic of ocular allergies. Michelle Hanratty and Dr Peter Frampton explore the causes of ocular allergies, treating patients in lockdown, and how to keep them comfortable when the pollen count is high. With special thanks to clinical pharmacist Dharmesh Shah from Moorswalk Surgery. Docet - dedicated to providing quality education and training to all UK registered optometrists. 

Sound Optometry is the podcast from Docet that provides high quality continuing professional development for all GOC-registered optometrists in the UK and abroad.  Monthly, we are exploring the topics that matter most to us optometrists with case studies and in-depth conversations. Plus, you can gain 1 CPD point by listening to the most recent episodes of the podcast and completing the exercise on Docet's website, docet.info. Sound Optometry is a Boffin Media production