The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and within it, the field of eye care must continuously strive for clinical excellence, unmatched patient care, and innovation. These objectives are essential for advancing the profession and making a broader impact on the healthcare system. The New England College of Optometry (NECO) is at the forefr…

Presbyopia, an age-related condition affecting the eye’s ability to focus on near objects, has long posed a challenge for patients and eye care professionals. With the advent of pharmacological solutions, new opportunities have arisen to manage this common issue beyond traditional corrective lenses and surgery. In a recent episode of the Defocus Me…

As sustainability takes center stage across industries, the optometry field is increasingly under the spotlight for its environmental impact, particularly in the use of contact lenses. This pressing issue was the focus of a recent episode of the 2020 Podcast, where Dr. Harbir Sian engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Evelyn Lo, pres…

Penny Rose Optical stands out as a beacon of creativity, resilience, and authentic entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving world of eyewear. For those deeply entrenched in the eye care industry—optometrists, opticians, and independent eyewear designers—Penny Rose is more than just a brand; it’s a story of passion, community, and an unwavering commit…

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom and Mike Horler, Consultant Optometrist at Sussex Eye Hospital and College Assessor and Council member, answer your questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Among the topics discussed were the treatment options for AMD including the role of supplements, photobiomodulation, and Syfovre. Fur…

In eye care, the title of Master Optician is not just a designation; it is a testament to a professional’s mastery, dedication, and influence in the field. Among the few who hold this prestigious title, Phernell Walker stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation. With a career spanning over three decades, Walker has not only redefined the role …

Oleh Christopher Lievens

Over the past few years, discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) have become increasingly prominent across many industries. In eye care, embracing diversity is a moral responsibility and a strategic benefit that can enhance patient outcomes, foster innovation, and create a more robust and sustainable workforce. This art…

In the last episode of this three-part series, we explored entrepreneurship, Claudine’s journey, and beauty products. However, today’s focus will be different. Dr. Claudine Courey is a recognized dry eye specialist. With experience in an OD/MD specialty practice, use of cutting-edge technology, and selling dry eye products on her website, EyeDropSh…

In the rapidly changing landscape of optometry, understanding and negotiating Optometry Employment Contracts can be challenging, whether a new graduate entering the professional world or a seasoned optometrist seeking a career transition. These contracts are not merely about financial compensation; they encompass crucial elements such as the employ…

In the demanding field of eye care, the slit lamp is an indispensable tool for both optometrists and ophthalmologists. However, prolonged use can lead to significant discomfort and neck strain, commonly referred to as “slit lamp neck.” Maintaining healthy postures is often overlooked, leading to discomfort and chronic pain among professionals. Dr. …

College Clinical Adviser and Optometric Adviser to the GOC Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Kayleigh Allen, Head of Fitness to Practise Legal; Roma Malik, Optometric Adviser at the GOC; Sue Blakeney, Registrant Case Examiner for the GOC; and Bobby Fida, Optometrist and member of the GOC's Hearing Panel about the role of the GOC. Using a fictitious case…

In the second part of our anxiety podcast, Ruth Bennett, Deputy Lead Assessor on the Scheme for Registration, Dave Burke, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Neil Constantine-Smith, an optometrist with over 30 years' experience, answer questions from supervisors and trainees on the Scheme for Registration. They answer questions on managing your…

Ruth Bennett, Deputy Lead Assessor on the Scheme for Registration, talks to Dave Burke, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Neil Constantine-Smith, an optometrist with over 30 years experience, about the rising number of young people suffering from anxiety. They discuss the possible reasons for this trend and provide helpful strategies and advi…

In this WebinarXtra podcast, College clinical advisers Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE, Denise Voon MCOptom, and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom discuss the latest changes to the Guidance for Professional Practice. They answer all those questions there wasn't time to cover during the live webinar including about dilation and driving, cycloplegic …

In our latest podcast, College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret talks to Nazia Fitzpatrick, a business psychologist and executive coach and facilitator. They discuss the concerning statistics from the General Optical Council's registrant workforce and perception survey including 41% of responders saying they had experienced bu…

In the second part of our special podcast, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Mike Bowen, Director of Knowledge and Research at the College, about the issues surrounding LED headlights. They also discuss the current research and evidence regarding them and how our members can help shape the work of the College on this important t…

In the first part of this special podcast, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, Member of the House of Lords, about her campaign for stronger regulation and guidance on the use of LED headlights. They discuss how Lady Hayter became involved in the campaign, the effects of headlight glare and how it…

To mark Black History Month, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talked to optometrists Chidinma Onyenezido MCOptom and Adaku Eze MCOptom to explore this year’s theme ‘Saluting our Sisters’. They share their personal experiences, including the successes, challenges and difficulties they've faced working in the UK, the differences in health…

In this WebinarXtra podcast, College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE talks to Dr Jeffry Hogg following his webinar on artificial intelligence in optometry. Jeffry is an ophthalmology registrar and NIHR Doctoral Fellow working between Newcastle University and NHS trusts in Newcastle, Birmingham and London. Jeffry answers all t…

In this special College podcast Acuity spoke to College members Amy Hughes MCOptom and Ian Jarvis MCOptom about their experiences of research.

In this WebinarXtra podcast, Martyn Jones, Head of Curriculum Development and Dr Rebekah Stevens, Lead Assessor at The College of Optometrists, answer questions following their webinar 'Preparing for ETR – the new route to qualification as an optometrist." This webinar provided an introduction to the GOC’s new education and training requirements, f…

College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret speaks to Jane Veys MCOptom, Clinical Editor of Acuity magazine, about her long history and passion for charity work, her involvement with the College, and why she thinks everyone should volunteer.

To mark Cataracts Awareness Month, College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret talked to Dr Sam Strong, Lecturer of Vision Science at Aston University, about motion perception in cataract patients. Sam talks about her background and research as well as how motion perception affects cataract patients’ ability to judge distances an…

In this WebinarXtra podcast, College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret talks to Simon Frackiewicz MCOptom DipTp(IP), optometrist and orthoptist working in private practice and the hospital eye service in Somerset, following his webinar on binocular vision. This webinar gave practical advice for optometrists to help regain confi…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Paramdeep talks to Mike Horler BSc FCOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Med Ret, Consultant Optometrist in Medical Retina at Sussex Eye Hospital, following his webinar on now and future retinal treatments. The webinar provided an overview of treatment strategies used for late wet AMD, diabetic macula oedema and retinal vein…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Denise talks to Dr Gordon Hay, Clinical Director for Emergency Care at Moorfields Eye Hospital, following his webinar on best practice for optometrists' written and telephone referrals. The webinar provided guidance on how to make clear and effective referrals to eye casualty. Gordon answers all those questions there…

College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom speaks to optometrist Bhavin Shah MCOptom MBABO FBCLA about how he provides help and support to patients with dyslexia in his practice, the difference between dyslexia and visual stress, as well as his views on colour and tinted lenses. November 2022: Case on acceptable advertising clai…

In the first part of this podcast, College clinical adviser Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom talks to Dr Rudrani Banik M.D. about visual snow syndrome. They discuss the potential causes of visual snow, how it affects patients, and the current state of treatments and research. Dr Rudrani Banik is the Co-Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology at New York Eye and…

College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE talks to principal optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Jay Varia BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Glauc about the advanced clinical practice course. They discuss what the course entails, who it is aimed at, the skills that you learn, as well as what the course could lead to afte…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to optometrist Dr Rebekka Heitmar MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret following her webinar on OCT in optometric practice for beginners, where she reviewed different OCT scans as well as evidence from research and emerging guidance on clinical practice. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar…

In this special podcast for Black History Month, clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom first speaks to Dr Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi postdoctoral ophthalmic nurse researcher, lead nurse for research at Moorfields Eye Hospital and honorary Associate Professor at UCL and secondly, Sylvia Chengo, visually impaired digital creator and disability advocate. Yo…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to ophthalmologist Kam Balaggan about the macula. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - The patient as a teacher: Complex cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalised video within…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to ophthalmologist Kam Balaggan about floaters and the vitreous. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - The patient as a teacher: Complex cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalis…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to ophthalmologist Kam Balaggan about pseudoexfoliation and lens implants. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - The patient as a teacher: Complex cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the s…

In the second part of our myopia guidance review podcast, College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom speaks to optometrist Dr Bhavin Shah MCOptom MBABO FBCLA about offering myopia management in his practice since 2016, the impact of the pandemic on children’s vision and how he communicates complex topics to parents and children.…

College clinical advisers Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE discuss the latest updates on myopia management guidance including the recommendations for ensuring best practice. Dr Bilkhu, who co-led the guidance review, also discusses the importance of explaining risks and benefits as well as how the different mana…

In this second episode of the OPO special edition podcast, Daniel speaks to two OPO journal authors; Paddy Gun MCOptom, Principal Optometrist for Education and Training at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and Emily Charlesworth MCOptom, Clinical Research Optometrist at Bradford University. In the first half of the podcast, Daniel talks to Paddy a…

In this two-part special OPO edition of the podcast, Daniel and Martin speak to College scholars, Associate Professor Keziah Latham FCOptom and Doctor Jane Macnaughton FCOptom from Anglia Ruskin University. They discuss their research paper, asking if patient-identified ‘comfortable’ print size is a useful clinical parameter for low vision reading …

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Paramdeep talks to Dr Manbir Nagra MCOptom following her webinar on contact lenses. In her webinar, Dr Nagra provided a summary of recent developments in the field of contact lenses and considered the groundwork required to ensure ECPs are prepared for the expected changes. Dr Nagra answers all those questions there …

In this episode, Daniel and Martin speak to Principal Optometrist, Denise Voon MCOptom, and Retinal Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mr Markus Groppe, about their unique AMD Medical Management Pathway at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. The pair discuss: how the AMD service was set up, offering an efficient one-stop-shop; the benefits to patients o…

Our Clinical advisor Daniel Hardiman-McCartney talks to Elaine Styles optometrist and co-founder of Vision Care for Homeless People, about eye exams, dispensing, glass repairs and referrals for the many different groups of people without a home. They discuss: the barriers to receiving eye care; the most common reason for homelessness, specific fact…

Dr Melanie Hingorani FRCOphth Clinical Lead for Eye Care Restoration and Transformation at NHS England, and the College's clinical adviser, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom, discuss the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on referrals, patient outcomes, the changes on eye care that the pandemic has brought, and how eye care might look in the …

Professor Leon Davies FCOptom, Editor of OiP, and Professor Shahina Pardhan MCOptom, Director of Vision and Eye Research Institute at ARU, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on eye health and eyecare. They look at the evidence around the link between COVID-19 and sore eyes, photophobia and watery eyes, and the effect of the pandemic on contact lens wea…

After optometrist Tanjit Dosanjh's own father was imprisoned for a serious criminal offence 2003, he knew that he wanted to do all he could to change the lives of those entering the system. He used his own knowledge and skills to set up The Prison Optician Trust, which provides offenders with training in optics and a brighter future away from crime…

In this episode, Daniel has a fascinating conversation with Professor Jose-Luis Jimenez, aerosol expert and fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. In July last year, Professor Jimenez was one of 239 experts in multiple scientific fields who signed an open le…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to Consultant Ali Yagan following his webinar on common optic neuropathies, where he presented cases on different types of optic neuropathies and optic nerve swelling, to help optometrists identify urgent situations and when patients need to be managed as an emergency. Ali answers all those questions the…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Clinical Adviser, Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, asks Professor Kathryn Saunders FCOptom and Dr Sara McCullough MCOptom questions there wasn't time to answer during their live webinar. The webinar discussed recent findings from the part College-funded Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction (NICER) Study, and h…

In this episode, Martin talks to Dr Joanne Wood - a Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Australia - about her latest research published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) on how “Refractive Blur Affects Judgement of Pedestrian Walking Direction at Night”. And Daniel speaks with the College’s own PR Manager, Ann Marie Stevens…

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to Michelle Hanratty MCOptom Dip Tp(IP) on how to decide what is best for your patient. Michelle - an Independent Prescribing Optometrist in private hospital practice - provides guidance on how to determine when to manage or monitor a patient’s condition and when to refer. Conditions include flashes and …