Contact lens fitting today Part: 6
Silicone hydrogels Part: 2 Fitting and management techniques
16/12/05
The number of silicone hydrogels materials available to practitioners and patients has grown rapidly in the past three years, from the original two ? CIBA Vision?s Focus? Night & Day? and Bausch & Lomb?s PureVision? ? to five. All of the materials have different properties, which come together to allow a wide range of wearing modalities to be offered to the majority of patients.
Course code: c-1405
Brian Tompkins BSc (Hons), FCOptom and Karen Walsh BSc (Hons), FCOptom
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Giant cell arteritis
Emphasis on the temporal artery biopsy
16/12/05
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) ? also known as temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis ? is the most common of the arteritides. It is characterised by segmental acute and chronic (most often granulomatous) vasculitis involving primarily the elastic tissue-rich medium to large sized arteries of the head and neck.
Kelly Larsen OD and Leonid Skorin Jr OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
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Age-related macular degeneration
Research update
02/12/05
Research supports the interaction of genetic background and other environmental factors in the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Targeted anti-angiogenic treatment offers the potential for stable or improved vision outcomes across all subtypes of neovascular AMD, while investigators continue to evaluate the potential for genetic therapy in treating AMD. Rod McNeil reports.
Rod McNeil
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Wet AMD referral
Playing games with patients' sight
02/12/05
Patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) reach treatment centres too late, writes Tom Bremridge, Chief Executive of the Macular Disease Society (MDS).
Tom Bemridge
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Age-related macular degeneration
A clinical update
02/12/05
Visual loss resulting from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness and visual disability. Roughly one out of every 10 patients over the age of 50 is affected by this condition.
Deepak Gupta OD, FAAO
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Therapeutics in practice - Referral criteria within the context of Additional Supply
02/12/05
Additional Supply? will allow registered optometrists to prescribe an expanded number of medicines, which will enable them to manage several common, non-sight threatening disorders including infective conjunctivitis, episcleritis, blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye and superficial injury. Course code: c-140
S.H. Melissa Liew FRCOphth and Christopher J. Hammond MD, MRCP, FRCOphth
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Common eyelid malignancies
Clinical features and management options
18/11/05
Eyelid malignancies are common, with approximately 10% of all skin cancers occurring in the eyelid region. Many are induced by sun exposure or develop from sun-related benign lesions.
Kenneth S. Fong MA, MRCOphth and Raman Malhotra
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Contact Lens Fitting Today Part 5
Silicone hydrogels Part 1: Technological developments
18/11/05
Silicone hydrogel lenses are increasing in popularity, with rapid growth in their usage for both daily and overnight wear1. As a result of direct advertising to the consumer and the increasing availability of information on the Internet, many patients are now asking their eyecare providers about this new generation of contact lens materials. This article will firstly describe the science behind the development of silicone hydrogel contact lenses, and secondly, discuss the results of a variety of laboratory and clinical studies that describe their performance to date.
Course code: c-1404
Lyndon Jones PhD, FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOrth, FAAO (DipCL) and Kathy Dumbleton MSc
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Pears scheme in Wales
Results of a practice self-audit
04/11/05
The Primary Eyecare Acute Referral Scheme (PEARS) has been running for four full years in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the scheme was originally conceived and implemented in 2000.
Ted Arbuthnot BSc (Hons), FCOptom
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Therapeutics in practice
Differentiation of sight-threatening eye disease
04/11/05
The ?Additional Supply? (Extended Exemptions Level 2) formulary for optometrists enables management of a number of common non-sight-threatening disorders, including infective conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eye and superficial injury.
Course code: c-139
S.H. Melissa Liew FRCOphth and Chris Hammond MD, MRCP, FRCOphth
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Contact lens fitting today
Part 4: Fitting for the irregular cornea
21/10/05
Successfully fitting the irregular cornea with contact lenses can be one of the greatest challenges to the contact lens practitioner. This article reviews fitting contact lenses to the irregular cornea found in primary cornea ectasias, post corneal graft and, finally, post refractive surgery.
Course code: c-1403
Chris Steele BSc (Hons), FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOC
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Diabetes and the diabetic eye
Recent advances in science and clinical management
21/10/05
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of visual loss and blindness in the Western world, and the fourth most common cause of visual loss worldwide. Over 2.5 million people are blind due to the effects of diabetes, which is becoming an increasing problem in developing nations.
N.M. Evans MA, FRCS, FRCOphth
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Diabetes mellitus - an overview
21/10/05
As primary care providers, optometrists have an ever-growing role not only in patients? ocular health, but also in their overall health. This is especially apparent in patients with diabetes mellitus. We are all familiar with the ocular implications of diabetic retinopathy, but managing this disease often involves interaction with the patient?s primary care physician. In such cases, optometrists should have a working knowledge of the systemic aspects of this disease.
Deepak Gupta OD, FAAO
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Therapeutics in practice.
Disorders of the uvea
07/10/05
Uveitis is a form of intraocular inflammation and describes a broad range of heterogeneous ocular inflammatory diseases of the uvea that can be infectious, traumatic or immune-mediated.
Course code: c-138
Ahmed Sallam MD, FRCS and Susan Lightman PhD, FRCP, FRCOphth
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Vision and dementia - ocular effects and examination
07/10/05
Dementia is a loss of mental function in two or more areas such as language, memory, visual and spatial abilities, or judgment severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia itself is not a disease but a broader set of symptoms that accompanies certain diseases or physical conditions. Well known diseases that cause dementia include Alzheimer?s disease, multi-infarct dementia and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Howard Solomons PhD, BSc, FCOptom
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Dyslexia - Medical fact or fiction?
07/10/05
Following last month's media coverage of controversial claims about the 'myth' of dyslexia (OT 23/09/05), Professor Arnold Wilkins discusses current theories and treatment strategies.
Professor Arnold Wilkins
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Contact lens fitting today
Part 3: Therapeutic and prosthetic contact lens fitting
23/09/05
Contact lenses have been used in ophthalmology in a therapeutic capacity for well over 100 years, since the introduction of scleral lenses. During this time, therapeutic contact lenses (TCLs) have proved to be an effective management option in the treatment of a wide variety of ophthalmic disorders. Conditions recalcitrant to other treatment modalities may be readily managed with the use of a TCL, depending upon proper patient selection, observation and management.
Course code: c-1402
Chris Steele BSc (Hons), FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOC
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AOP advice on the sale and supply of contact lenses
23/09/05
This advice from the Association of Optometrists on the sale and supply of contact lenses is addressed to optometrists only, although medical practitioners and dispensing opticians are affected by the law on contact lenses. It does not cover pricing policy, nor the detailed clinical aspects of contact lenses.
AOP
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Patients with severe sight loss - Emotional support and counselling
23/09/05
The importance of emotional support and counselling for people with severe sight loss, especially in the early stages, is increasingly recognised as an integral part of eyecare services. This article looks at the evidence for this, discusses what emotional support actually is, and suggests ways in which you can develop your practice to help people come to terms with their sight loss and their changed lives.
Sheena McBride MA
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Domiciliary eyecare - A challenging yet rewarding speciality
23/09/05
Dawn Roberts, Clinical Director for Healthcall Optical Services? Northern Region, discusses the challenges and rewards of providing domiciliary eyecare, and the equipment generally required.
Dawn Roberts BSc (Hons), MSc, MCOptom
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Disorders of the cornea Part 2 - Chronic corneal abnormalities
09/09/05
With the aid of the slit lamp, it is possible to see most of the chronic conditions, both congenital and acquired, that can affect the cornea. Most of them are rare, which is fortunate as few are curable, and most are potentially sight threatening. In this country, the optometrist is often the first to observe these conditions.
Course code: c-137
Roger Buckley MA, FRCS, FRCOphth, HonFCOptom
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Non-surgical wavefront correction - An exciting advancement
19/08/05
Why do stars in the night sky appear to twinkle? The reason is that thermal turbulence deflects the direct path of the star?s light. This atmospheric turbulence also poses limitations on how well telescopes can resolve planetary bodies.
Brian Chou OD, FAAO
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Selective cornea endothelial transplantation
A new frontier in surgical technique
19/08/05
For decades, cornea transplantation has been done by penetrating keratoplasty, in which the entire thickness of the cornea is removed, even when only a small portion is diseased. Recent, exciting developments in transplantation technique now permit selective replacement of the innermost, endothelial layer in diseases such as Fuchs? endothelial dystrophy. Moreover, the operation is done via a keyhole opening, only about 4mm wide. This remarkable development greatly improves the outcome of cornea transplantation.
Simon G. Levy MD, MRCP, FRCS, FRCOphth
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Arcuate Keratotomy - Dealing with residual astigmatism
19/08/05
Following excimer laser refractive surgery, a small number of patients may be left with some astigmatism.
Claire McDonnell MCOptom
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Surgical options for glaucoma - An optometrist's primer
19/08/05
With the advances in medications in recent years, the vast majority of patients are well managed with medical therapy. Unfortunately, there are still patients who require surgery to preserve their vision. Surgical techniques for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients include laser trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, non-penetrating filtration surgery, shunts and cylcodestructive procedures. This article reviews some of the surgical procedures used in glaucoma management.
Deepak Gupta OD, FAAO
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Contact lens fitting today
Part 2: Soft contact lens fitting
19/08/05
Soft lens fitting is considered by the majority of practitioners as a straightforward task requiring little effort or additional skills to those learnt while training.
Course code: c-1401
Anna Sulley BSc, MCOptom
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Ocular health and daily wear soft CLs
19/08/05
In recent times, there has been considerable discussion regarding the healthiest option for daily wear of soft contact lenses. When choosing the best contact lens option for daily wear, it is important to consider all the features the lens offers and the benefits it delivers to the wearer.
John Rogers FBDO (Hons) CL, BOA (Disp)
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The Fletcher CAM lantern colour vision test
Clinical results and calibration
29/07/05
Some occupations involving coloured signal lights require candidates to ?pass? lantern tests. In 2000, the College of Optometrists and Association of Optometrists recognised that the Holmes-Wright lanterns had not been manufactured for some years. After winning a competition for a suitable new instrument, the CAM lantern emerged as a replacement.
Robert Fletcher, Emeritus Professor
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Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis
A case with a live worm
29/07/05
Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) is a clinical syndrome, caused by a motile, white, glistening non-segmented nematode wandering in the subretinal space. It affects primarily one eye in otherwise healthy young adults. It is characterised by vitritis, papillitis and recurrent crops of white evanescent lesions, followed by severe visual loss, optic atrophy, retinal vessel narrowing and diffuse RPE degeneration.
S. Mon MBChB, R. Sahay MD, MS and K. Myint FRCS, MRCOphth
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Disorders of the cornea Part 1
Keratitis: clinical signs and management
29/07/05
Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) has many possible causes, both infective and non-infective. Some of these sight-threatening emergencies require prompt diagnosis by the optometrist and urgent onward referral.
Course code: c-136
Roger Buckley MA, FRCS, FRCOphth, HonFCOptom
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Pseudotumour cerebri
Links to childhood obesity
29/07/05
A 14-year old obese adolescent female presented with papilloedema, headaches, vomiting and intermittent diplopia. Medical and ophthalmic evaluation identified pseudotumor cerebri. Treatment included a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and weight loss.
Darin Johnson OD and Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
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Malignant lymphoma of the orbit
A case report
15/07/05
Lymphomas are one of the most common malignant tumours to affect the orbit. The onset is characteristically in the sixth and seventh decades of life and they only rarely occur in children. In younger patients, malignant lymphoma tends to exhibit a more rapid clinical course of weeks to months with almost invariable evidence of systemic involvement once the patient reports orbital symptoms.
Ryan Fedor OD and Leonid Skorin Jr OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
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Contact lens fitting today
Part 1: Modern RGP lens fitting
15/07/05
In the first of our new six-part Pay-As-You-Learn contact lens CET series, Eef van der Worp and John de Brabander discuss modern techniques for fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
Course code: c-1400
Eef van der Worp BOptom, FAAO, FIACLE and John de Brabander PhD, FAAO
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Keratoconus - A clinical update
15/07/05
Keratoconus can be defined as a progressive, non-inflammatory, conical deformity of the cornea. It is characterised by corneal thinning and protrusion, resulting in corneal distortion and decreased vision. In many cases, the patient is first diagnosed in their mid to late teens. The disease then tends to alternate between periods of active change and relative stability. In most cases, it stabilises by the time the patient reaches the age of 40 or 50.
Keratoconus can be defined as a progressive,
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Therapeutics in practice
Disorders of the sclera and episclera
01/07/05
Inflammation of the sclera is an uncommon disease but it has serious consequences if it is mismanaged. Episcleritis is also a relatively uncommon disorder, which is not sight-threatening. This article will detail the main types of scleritis and episcleritis, describing the most common symptoms and signs, and treatment strategies.
Course code: c-135
Ahmed Sallam MD, FRCS and Susan Lightman PhD, FRCP, FRCOphth
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The incidence of ametropia in elite sport
17/06/05
Recent research has shown that visual and sporting performance, are directly related. The speed and size of the ball in cricket are likely to favour athletes with good visual skills, particularly batsmen. These players have to be able to aim accurately and judge depth to anticipate the arrival of the ball, having accurately predicted its mode of delivery. But perhaps the biggest potential for improvement could come from particular attention to the visual skills of the bowlers, who are also required to bat.
Geraint Griffiths BSc Mech. Eng., MScOptom, MCOptom
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UV radiation
Contact lenses and the ophthalmohelioses
17/06/05
Eyecare practitioners receive conflicting information about ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection for the eye, and the need for incorporating UV absorbers into contact lens polymers. However, potential increases in the more hazardous UVB band of the solar UV radiation spectrum (increases which come from decreasing stratospheric ozone levels) have sparked a broader awareness of the need for protective strategies.
Anthony P. Cullen MSc, OD, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, FAAO, DipCLP
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Progressive lenses Part 2
The new generation
17/06/05
The first patent for a progressive power lens, and a method of producing it, appears to have been granted to a British optometrist, Owen Aves, in 1907 (British Patent No. 15 735, Improvements in and relating to multifocal lenses and the like, and the method of grinding same). Course code:c-145
Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, HonFCOptom, MCMI
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Recent changes in the use and supply of medicines by optometrists
03/06/05
In the UK, optometrists have had the right to use diagnostic drugs for longer than optometrists in any other country in the world. Furthermore, the optometric training institutions have traditionally included instruction in pharmacology as part of their curricula and, for many years, a specific examination in the use of drugs has formed part of professional qualifying examinations.
Professor J.G. Lawrenson BSc (Hons), MCOptom, PhD
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Melanocytoma: How important is follow-up?
03/06/05
A 50-year old woman was referred to the eye clinic by her optometrist, with symptoms of dazzling. Her visual acuities were R: 6/4 and L: 6/5.
Dr A.O. Garrick MBBS, MRCOphth Part 1, Sugato Paul MBBS, DO, MS, FRCS and D.K. B
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Therapeutics in practice. Disorders of the conjunctiva - Part 2
03/06/05
Part 1 of disorders of the conjunctiva considered infective and allergic causes of conjunctivitis. Part 2 deals with some other conjunctival conditions which, though rarer, should be included in the differential diagnosis when a new case is being examined.
Course code: c-134
Roger J. Buckley MA, FRCS, FRCOphth, HonFCOptom
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Progressive lenses Part 1
How progressive power is obtained
20/05/05
Thirty years ago, if a subject required a correction for distance, intermediate and near vision, it might have been provided in the form of trifocal lenses. The drawbacks of trifocals are much the same as with bifocal lenses. They have zones of fixed power, which provide the wearer with a limited focusing range through each zone, there is jump at the dividing lines unless visible, no-jump designs are used, and the presence of the segment dividing lines detracts from the appearance of the lenses. These drawbacks are eliminated by dispensing progressive power lenses, the use of which has expanded rapidly in the last few years. Without doubt, progressive lenses have become the first choice of multifocal design for the correction of presbyopia.
Course code: c-144
Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, HonFCOptom, MCMI
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The art of communicating with children
20/05/05
Examining children can be, by turns, the most rewarding experience an optometrist can have and the most frustrating. We are all aware from our daily practice, that early intervention improves prognosis, and this is doubly so in the developing child. There are many excellent articles which cover in great detail the equipment and techniques used in a paediatric examination, but few that cover it from the child?s perspective.
Andrew Millington BSc, MCOptom
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VA testing in optometric practice
Part 2: Newer chart designs
06/05/05
In Part 2 of this series on visual acuity testing, Professor David Thomson looks at newer test chart designs and possibilities for the future.
David Thomson PhD, BSc, MCOptom
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Therapeutics in practice
Disorders of the conjunctiva - Part 1
06/05/05
The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane, which in its normal state, is difficult to visualise as it is thin and transparent. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctivae, which usually affects both eyes at the same time ? although it may start in one eye and spread to the other after a day or two. It may be asymmetrical, affecting one eye more than the other.
Course code: c-133
Roger J. Buckley MA, FRCS, FRCOphth, HonFCOptom
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Direct referral of catatarcts in Huntingdon
22/04/05
Cataracts and cataract surgery represent the single biggest component of general ophthalmic hospital practice, with over 25% of those over 70 years affected.
Wendy Newsom BSc (Hons), MCOptom, Helen Gibbons BSc, RGN, PGDip Ophth, Declan Fl
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Genetics of cataract An update
22/04/05
Cataract is the most common treatable cause of visual problems both in childhood (congenital cataract) and in adults (age-related cataract). The incidence of congenital cataract is approximately 1-6/10,000 live births, and the condition can occur in isolation or as part of a more complex syndrome.
Richard A. Armstrong BSc, DPhil
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How to ensure the thinnest lenses Form, index, substance, diameter and shape
22/04/05
One of the skills required by the dispensing ability to help the patient choose a frame suitable not only from a cosmetic point of of the prescription. This second requirement ability to visualise a finished pair of spectacles.
Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, HonFCOptom, MCMI
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Therapeutics in practice Disorders of the tears and lacrimal system
08/04/05
Dry eye has been defined by the National Eye Institute as, A disorder of the tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation which causes damage to the interpalpebral ocular surface and is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. Excessive watering of the eyes may be secondary to reflex over-production of tears. This is termed lacrimation and is seen in cases of corneal nerve stimulation. However, watering of the eyes may also be due to defective tear drainage, which is classified as obstructive epiphora. This article discusses the management of dry eye, lacrimation and obstructive epiphora.
Course code: c-132
Louise O'Toole MMed Sci, FRCOphth (IRE), MRCOphth, FEBO
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VA testing in optometric practice Part 1: The Snellen chart
08/04/05
In this two-part article on visual acuity testing in practice, Professor David Thomson looks into the development and mechanisms of modern day test charts.
David Thomson PhD, BSc, MCOptom
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Aspheric lenses Thinner and lighter by design
25/03/05
Following last month?s review of best form spectacle lenses and how the form influences the off-axis performance of the lens, this next article in the series looks in detail at lenses which employ an aspherical surface.
Course code: c-142
Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, HonFCOptom, MCMIMo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hon
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Ocular and systemic health The role of exercise and nutrition
25/03/05
One can be fit and unhealthy and one can be unfit and healthy but ideally one should be both fit and healthy. A healthy person is more likely to have healthy eyes, as Duke-Elder once stated, Glaucoma is a sick eye in a sick body.
Brian Ariel MSc, FCOptom, FAAO
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Therapeutics in practice Disorders of the lids and lashes
11/03/05
Abnormalities of the eyelids can result in an abnormal tear film distribution on the ocular surface with consequent corneal dessication. If the eyelashes are abnormally directed, they can persistently rub against the eye and produce significant corneal disease. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the underlying disease processes, and the resultant anatomical deformity, is extremely important in the management of disorders of the eyelids and eyelashes.
Course code: c-130
Louise O'Toole MMed Sci, FRCOphth (IRE), MRCOphth, FEBO
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Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome An atypical manifestation of cat scratch disease
11/03/05
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infection caused by Bartonella (B.) henselae. It occurs from a scratch or bite of an infected kitten or cat. It is characterised by a self-limiting lymphadenopathy but atypical forms, such as Parinaud?s oculoglandular syndrome and optic disc oedema with macular star (neuroretinitis), may also occur.
Leonid Skorin Jr OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
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Data methods in optometry
25/02/05
Testing the degree of correlation between two variables is one of the most widely used of all statistical procedures. Nevertheless, tests based on correlation may be applied incorrectly or the results can be misinterpreted, resulting in erroneous conclusions being drawn from an investigation.
Richard A. Armstrong BSc, DPhil and Frank Eperjesi BSc, PhD, MCOptom, FAAO
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Central corneal thickness and IOP Novel measuring methods
25/02/05
Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma. The current gold standard for IOP measurement is the Goldmann applanation tonometer. This tonometer makes a static measurement of the force required to flatten a fixed area of the cornea.
Aachal Kotecha BSc (Hons), PhD, MCOptom
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Best form lenses Off-axis performance of lenses
25/02/05
It is taken for granted that the ?performance? of a modern spectacle lens is the best that the manufacturer can provide. What is meant by performance is the quality of the image produced by the lens and, since the eye can use only a small zone of the lens at a time, the stability of the lens power in different zones of the lens. In the main, performance is controlled by the form of the lens, and the ?best performance? is obtained by using best form lenses. This topic is normally considered in the literature under the heading ?Spectacle lens design? and here, the basic principles of this topic are reviewed.
Course code: c-141
Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, HonFCOptom, MCMI
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Ocular examination History taking and methods of ocular examination for optometrists accredited to use Level 2 drugs
11/02/05
The rationale behind Level 2 exemptions is ?to provide optometrists with access to those medicines which will allow them to manage a number of common non-sight threatening disorders including infective conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eye and superficial injury?. This article is directed towards taking a history and examination, which deals with these conditions using the medications available to optometrists who are accredited to use Level 2 drugs once legislation allows (see the previous CET article in OT 14/01/05).. Course code: c-129
Mark Wilkins MD, FRCOphth
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Floppy eyelid syndrome The forgotten chronic conjunctivitis
11/02/05
Floppy eyelid syndrome is a vastly undiagnosed cause of chronic conjunctivitis. Culbertson and Ostler first described floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) in 1981 as, ?an easily everted and rubbery upper eyelid associated with chronic papillary conjunctivitis
Amy Joachim OD and Leonid Skorin Jr OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
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Extended clinical roles and PGDs Putting theory into practice
11/02/05
The proliferation of extended roles involving optometrist and nurse-led clinics in recent years demonstrates what a significant impact these healthcare professionals have had on the NHS modernisation agenda.
Chris Steele BSc (Hons), FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOC and Paul Johnson RGN, MA
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Materials for spectacle lenses Optical and mechanical performance
28/01/05
Today, in most of the developed world, some 95% of spectacle lenses are made from plastics materials. Owing to its inherent lightness and safety, plastics has almost completely replaced glass as the first choice of spectacle lens material. What little glass is still used is mainly confined to very high index glasses with refractive indices in excess of 1.80, and to photochromic lenses with specialised properties, such as Corning?s CPF glasses. Course code: c-140
Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, HonFCOptom, MCMI
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Common retinal signs An overview
28/01/05
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are uniquely placed to directly visualise through the ocular media various inflammatory, vascular and other pathological processes as they occur inside the eye.
Imran Akram FRCS, DO and Adrian Rubinstein MD, MRCS
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Everday optometric orthoptics Top tips and how to specialise
14/01/05
Orthoptics is defined as, ?The study, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of anomalies of binocular vision, strabismus, and monocular functional amblyopia?. Binocular vision (orthoptic) anomalies affect at least 5% of the population and some say that the prevalence is much higher than this. All optometrists will inevitably encounter patients with orthoptic anomalies, and they must be able to recognise these conditions and deal with them appropriately, either by treatment or referral. In other words, orthoptics is not an optional subject for practising optometrists and this is why all optometry training courses and the PQE examinations cover orthoptics/binocular vision anomalies.
Professor Bruce JW Evans BSc (Hons), PhD, FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOrth, FAAO
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Near Mallet unit foveal suppression test Recent research and recommended use
14/01/05
The hand-held near Mallett unit (NMU) contains a binocular status test which can be used to measure foveal suppression (FS). This article summarises some recent research, which for the first time investigates the norms, its repeatability and its relationship with other measurements of binocularity. It also includes a recommended method of use for the test.
Sosena T.W. Tang BSc (Hons), MSc, MCOptom and Professor Bruce JW Evans BSc (Hons
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Therapeutics in clinical practice Recent developments in drug legislation for optometrists
14/01/05
Significant changes are occurring within the NHS, with the aim of improving healthcare to patients. Optometrists will soon be among the new breed of prescribers - either by being eligible to use an extended formulary (Exemptions level 2) or by becoming supplementary prescribers. To these categories will be added independent prescribing status, hopefully this year. Course code: c-128
Professor Roger Buckley MA, FRCS, FRCOphth, Professor John Lawrenson BSc (Hons),
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