Ophthalmological presentations account for a significant number of cases in both general practice and accident and emergency, and prompt identification and treatment can prevent irreversible sight loss.
The proportion of A&E attendances having eye problems may be as high as 6% in some settings. A&E practitioners have, however, not been confident with basic aspects of ophthalmic assessment (such as Visual Acuity measurement) and lacking in training and skills in emergency eye care with variable availability of slit lamps and training in their use (which may, or may not be deemed necessary).
Furthermore, there were an estimated 340 million GP consultations in 2012/13 and 1.5–2% of these were reported as eye related.
This course aims to give the non-ophthalmologist the knowledge, skills and confidence to evaluate and where appropriate to manage common ocular ophthalmology emergencies.
