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 optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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 in 2020. 

Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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 optometric education and professional development.

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.