Sound Optometry

Early keratoconic corneal changes can start even before the age of 10 and those that are at risk are mostly not detected until the condition is moderately advanced. The only way to pick these patients up early is to routinely screen for keratoconus in the young population at their routine eye examinations and it could be as easy as using an autorefractor-topographer. Hear more about the detection...

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...

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 a...

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 Guar...

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 patie...

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...

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 ca...

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 flas...

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 o...

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 optom...