Vitreoretinal emergencies: A practical guide for health care professionals
Overview
Have you ever wondered…?
“Does lattice degeneration need to be reviewed urgently?”
“What should I do with atrophic retinal holes?”
“Can I observe this patient with flashes and floaters?”
“What happens to patients once I refer them to the vitreoretinal department?”
“When should I refer vitreomacular traction and how do I interpret this on OCT?”
This one-day course, led by expert vitreoretinal consultants, is designed to equip allied health professionals with the essential knowledge and clinical skills to recognise, assess, and appropriately refer common and urgent vitreoretinal conditions. Through a combination of concise teaching, real-world case discussions and interactive sessions, the course focuses on practical decision-making in urgent retinal presentations. Due popular demand, this year we have included a relaxed practical session on how to examine the peripheral retina. Special attention is given to differentiating sight-threatening pathology from benign findings, optimising referrals, and avoiding medico-legal pitfalls.
Intended for community optometrists, hospital optometrists, orthoptists, specialist nurse practitioners, junior doctors, general practitioners..
Course aims
To enhance the ability of allied health professionals to recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency vitreoretinal conditions.
To build clinical confidence in assessing symptoms such as floaters, flashes, and visual loss, and in distinguishing sight-threatening pathology from benign findings.
To improve understanding of referral urgency, documentation standards, and common post-operative complications.
To promote a practical, case-based approach to triage and communication within the multi-disciplinary ophthalmic team.
To improve examination techniques relevant to VR presentations (in-person attendance only, through practical session).
Learning outcomes
Describe the key anatomical and pathological features relevant to vitreoretinal emergencies.
Recognise the clinical signs and symptoms associated with posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, and retinal detachment.
Differentiate between urgent and non-urgent retinal conditions, including peripheral degenerations and chronic retinal detachments.
Interpret fundus images and OCT findings to support triage decisions.
Demonstrate appropriate documentation of retinal findings and rationale for referral urgency.
Identify common post-operative complications and red flags following vitreoretinal surgery.
Apply case-based reasoning to make triage decisions and communicate effectively within referral pathways.
Reflect on medico-legal implications of missed or delayed referrals and strategies to minimise risk.
Course structure
The course features a full day of lectures delivered by leading speakers including: Ms Louisa Wickham, Consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon. Mr Paul Sullivan, Consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. Ben Kirkpatrick, Consultant vitreoretinal surgeon.
You will have the option to attend in-person at our training centre in Ebenezer Street, London N1 or online. For in-person attendees the day will conclude with a practical session covering indirect examination techniques and fundus lens exam.
Who should attend
Advanced clinical practice nurses
Optometrists
Orthoptists
FY1-FY2s applying to ophthalmology
CPD Certification
This course carries 3 interactive GOC CPD points.
