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Global health and conflict: the unseen consequences

Global eye health inequalities stem from poor access to affordable care, causing preventative vision impairment and blindness. In 2020, a study showed that 510 million people, the majority being in low-income and middle-income countries, had uncorrected near vision impairment simply...

Usefulness of gonioscopy to investigate cause of corneal oedema after cataract surgery

A 72-year-old man with ocular hypertension presented three months after routine right phacoemulsification and toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with a two-week history of an irritated right eye and a sudden deterioration in right vision. His preoperative spherical equivalence was...

Bosch-Boonstro-Schaaff optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) NR2F1 mutation

An experienced ophthalmologist can make an anatomical diagnosis of childhood visual impairment based upon the surgical sieve, i.e., congenital and acquired. But an ophthalmologist cannot work in isolation to make an aetiological diagnosis – one would require the help of...

The madarosis mystery: unravelling the clues to a host of health issues

Eyelash madarosis is a medical condition characterised by the loss of eyelashes caused by the destruction of hair follicles. It can range from a few missing lashes to a complete absence of lashes on the eyelids. This condition can be...

Periorbital and subconjunctival emphysema - a sign of orbital rim fracture

Background Orbital emphysema is a condition where air is present in orbit or periorbital tissues [1]. It is most commonly caused by trauma leading to orbit fracture, where air from paranasal sinuses is allowed to enter the orbit. The most...

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum in the right lateral canthus

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SP) is an exceedingly rare, benign adnexal tumour primarily affecting the skin. It is characterised by the presence of cystic structures and papillary projections. This uncommon dermatological condition is typically found in areas rich in apocrine glands, such...

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous disorder which is defined by a triad of orofacial oedema, furrowing of the tongue, and recurrent episodes of facial nerve palsy [1]. Due to the rarity of the disease and inconsistent presentation, MRS...

Like a moth to AC flare: CMV-associated hypertensive anterior uveitis

Hypertensive anterior uveitis can present a diagnostic challenge to clinicians working in emergency eye departments. While prompt initial control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammation is essential, elucidating the underlying aetiology is critical for long-term visual outcomes. When there is...

The Duke-Elder exam: A medical student’s head start into ophthalmology

The Duke-Elder exam is a specialist ophthalmology exam intended for medical students to sit during medical school. It is named after Sir Stewart Duke-Elder, a pioneering Scottish ophthalmologist who was active in the first half of the 20th Century by...

Should it be a mandatory requirement for medical students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to attend clinical attachments?

The vast majority of medical students have positive attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and patients, however, what about the small inevitable minority who resist it? Should they be prevented from attending clinical attachments in the NHS? It is...

‘Getting a head start’: ways medical students can boost their chances of entering ophthalmology training

Ophthalmology is one of the most competitive medical specialities in the UK, with 3.74 applicants per place in 2018 [1]. Given the competitive nature of this highly specialised field, medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology...