Archive for October, 2008

Remember, remember.. 10 people a year lose eyesight due to fireworks!

Published October 31st, 2008 by Jane Macnaughton.

A note from the College of Optometrists:
Eye experts advise on how to stay safe this Bonfire night:
Remember remember the fifth of November, gun powder, treason and plot.
But take care of your eyes as the fireworks fly, it’s something that shouldn’t be forgot.

According to research, every year ten people lose their sight due to fireworks […]

At last, an article in the press that makes me happy.

Published October 28th, 2008 by Peter Chapman.

All too often when I read the papers I feel sorry for health care professionals. Not just Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, but for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Physiotherapists and the other professionals allied to health.
Why? Well, for most of us, we are asked to do more work each year for less reward. Not only that, Health […]

October 08 CET C 10082 VRICS Quiz – Optical Low Vision Aids

Published October 27th, 2008 by Jane Macnaughton.

CET C 10082 Visual Recognition and Interpretation of Clinical Signs – Optical Low Vision Aids.
This online VRICS quiz, developed by Jane Macnaughton, consists of a series of high resolution images of optical low vision aids. This presentation encourages the practitioner to discuss with peers or use other means of investigation available to interpret the pictures […]

Pre-Registration FAQs. 2: Binocular Vision

Published October 16th, 2008 by Jane Macnaughton.

Q:  If a child has exophoria at distance and near, is amblyopic in one eye with no strabismus, and on refraction you find a hypermetropic Rx. Would a cycloplegic refraction be required or is it OK to prescribe from a non-cycloplegic refraction since there is no squint?
A:  You are correct to question the prescribing of […]

Face Up to Facebook!

Published October 15th, 2008 by Peter Chapman.

The Optometry Blog has joined the social networking revolution, with the creation of a Facebook page.
Aimed at all practitioners including pre-registration students, the page is an ideal way to find out about all the latest articles and podcasts available, as well as the most up to date details on course dates and availability.
Samples of our podcasts […]

AOP - Student Conference at Butlins, Skegness on November 1st & 2nd 2008.

Published October 14th, 2008 by David.

The Association of Optometrists is holding its very first Optometry Student Conference at Butlins, Skegness on November 1st & 2nd 2008.
This event offers students important career advice and guidance on their pre-registration year, as well as providing the opportunity to network with fellow undergraduates from across the country.  An exhibition will give you access to […]

How the road looks with glaucoma - City University Video

Published October 14th, 2008 by David.

Browsing the BBC website at lunch and I saw this in one of the sections and thought it might be of interest to our avid readers:
“London’s City University has created a video simulation of what a driver with advanced glaucoma would see.
Ophthalmologist Anath Viswanathan, from London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital, told BBC’s Breakfast that the condition […]

PM’s sight gives ‘concerns’ and the Press forget about the Disability Discrimination Act.

Published October 13th, 2008 by Peter Chapman.

Gordon Brown has the British economy to be concerned about, but it seems that his aides have concerns about his eye sight (Telegraph article here). 
Mr Brown’s problems started when he lost the sight in one eye playing rugby aged 16. Recently he has had a cataract operation to try and improve the sight but apparently […]

Ask the Non-EEA Examiner-The 2009 Examinations for Non-EEA/EU Qualified Optometrists

Published October 13th, 2008 by Jane Macnaughton.

Are you preparing to sit the College of Optometrist’s Examination for Non EEA/EU Qualified Optometrists in January 2009?
If you need a question answered on any aspect of the exam or understand anything specific about working as an optometrist in the UK, including employment options, then post your questions to us here. Last years Q&A post […]

Pre-Registration FAQs. 1: Ocular Disease and Investigative Techniques

Published October 6th, 2008 by Jane Macnaughton.

At this time of the year, pre-registration trainees are once again completing their Assessments.
Following the popular ‘Ask the Examiner’ threads over the past two years, we have compiled all of the questions and answers as FAQs and regrouped them all according to subject.
Our contributors have included Bill Harvey, Peter Chapman, Joy Myint, Dr Christine Astin, […]