Ophthalmology archive for December 2025
The lived experience of benign essential blepharospasm
Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a rare neurological condition which causes involuntary sustained or intermittent muscular contraction of both eyelids and upper facial muscles which cause closure of eyelids, abnormal facial expressions and distress [1]. The term dystonia is an...
Low vision support in teenagers
As society places increasing emphasis on mental health and access to technology increases, the structure and prioritisation within low vision appointments is evolving. These changes bring new challenges and demands in terms of our clinical support, requiring us to consider...
The use of toxin in paediatric strabismus
Strabismus is a common condition that affects up to 5% children and can be associated with abnormal visual development, double vision, loss of depth perception and impaired binocularity [1]. It can also cause cosmetic concerns, negatively impact psychosocial wellbeing and...
Congenital and paediatric cataract: Advances in diagnosis and management
Congenital and paediatric cataracts are relatively rare, although prevalence varies significantly between countries, influenced by factors such as nutrition, immunisation policy and population genetics [1]. In the UK, around 3–4 of every 10,000 babies are born with cataracts. It’s a...
Ophthalmic imaging in children
Ophthalmic imaging has in recent years become an integral part of the diagnosis and monitoring of patients. There is now a wide range of instruments available for imaging children and assisting in the provision of detailed clinical information for the...
Paediatric optic disc anomalies
Anomalies of the optic nerve are relatively rare, but account for a significant proportion of sight impairment in children and adults. The recognition of these anomalies by eye health professionals is important not only due to their potential impact on...
Tricks and tips for paediatric refraction
Refraction is an important part of the paediatric eye examination but can sometimes be challenging. If a child struggles to co-operate with the eye examination, how can one ensure that the best outcome is achieved? There are tips here which...
Everyone has a plan, until their hand goes numb…
Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the UK [1]. With financially strained NHS trusts and the rise of independent sector cataract providers, the drive from initiatives like Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) and market pressures...
Looking on the brightside: Lord David Blunkett
“I can hear people smile” As a young adult in the 1980s and 1990s I gradually became more politically informed with occasional forays into BBC’s Question Time. In doing so, I learnt of the rise of politician David Blunkett, a...
Semaglutide and vision loss: A new concern for NAION risk?
This article has been verified for CPD. Click the button below to answer a few short questions and download a form to be included in your CPD folder. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as transformative agents in...
Advanced level practice for ophthalmic nursing
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Ophthalmic Nursing Forum (ONF) is committed to clinical excellence through advancing ophthalmic nursing practice and supporting career development. With the increasing demand for ophthalmic services, advanced and specialist practice roles are vital to increase...
