Ophthalmology
A new observation point: updating the nomenclature and classification with OCT
The evolution of ophthalmic imaging technologies has been particularly rapid over the last few years. The author provides an update of the current terms for common signs and pathologies observed using optical coherence tomography. My experience as an ophthalmic technician,...
Analysis of ‘urgent’ cataract referrals from community optometrists in the West of Scotland
As elective cataract services restart post-COVID, how do we establish which patients should be a priority? The authors share their findings from a review of ‘urgent’ referrals received by the ophthalmology department in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. The COVID-19...
Post-Brexit deal welcomed but leaves future relationship with EU far from settled
Rod McNeil breaks down the impact of the Brexit deal on healthcare in the UK, including medicines regulation, research funding, sharing of information and the ability to work abroad. A disorderly no-deal exit from the European Union (EU) was averted...
Visual disturbance heralding stroke: are we seeing the signs in time?
Isolated visual symptoms may be an early presenting feature of stroke, and timely recognition of such atypical cases is important because treatment for stroke has a limited time-window of efficacy. Stroke occurs in approximately 150,000 people per year in the...
Decoding the red eye
Red eye, or hyperaemia, is one of the most common presentations to primary care [1] and the emergency department [2]. However, despite this the underlying cause is often misdiagnosed which can lead to severe, sight-threatening conditions being missed [1]. Thorough...
Eyecare education in times of COVID-19
A collaboration between the German Committee for the Prevention of Blindness (DKVB), Rukwa regional government in Tanzania and the University of St Andrews Global Health Team successfully delivered a hybrid teaching programme for ophthalmic nurses in Sumbawanga, south west Tanzania,...
Saving sight and changing lives: working with Syrian refugees in Jordan
Two ophthalmologists from the Emory Eye Center share their three-year experience of treating refugees in the camps in Jordan. Jordan currently hosts an estimated 1.4 million Syrian people who have fled the war in their home country. Cataract & Cornea...
Ophthalmology assessment using Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical list of attributes and skills that facilitates teachers to effectively teach, whilst concurrently enabling learners to effectively learn. It was first developed in 1956 by Benjamin Bloom, an educational psychologist along with a team of...
Ophthalmic learning through the lens of cognitivism and constructivism
Learning in ophthalmology is multi-faceted, from understanding the fundamentals of eye anatomy and physiology to higher order skills such as performing cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Having a strong foundation in the basics is a necessity for higher order knowledge synthesis,...
New solutions in the prevention and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis
The global increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis infections has emphasised the inefficiencies of current treatment and preventative methods, here researchers from the West of Scotland detail a promising new series of compounds that may stem the tide. News headlines detailing horror...
Sensitive cilia – eyelashes in health and disease
In health our eyelashes protect the eyes, but in disease they can disfigure, impair quality of life and threaten vision. In this review the authors discuss aspects of lashes that are relevant to all professionals working near the eyes and...
Thinking outside the box – adapting to the COVID-19 lockdown
How can we avoid further delays to follow-up in glaucoma patients? The author asks if there is a socially distanced way to check IOPs in those at high risk of losing vision. Glaucoma is an asymptomatic condition. Loss of the...
