The importance of ophthalmology and optometry working together to transform care for patients with conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma will come under the spotlight at 100% Optical.
NHS ophthalmology provider Newmedica is hosting a series of continuing professional development (CPD) sessions for optometrists and dispensing opticians at 100% Optical, which takes place at Excel London between 1 and 3 March.
"As experts offering a breadth of services, our sessions will cover glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the importance of collaboration to deliver patient-centred care," says Nigel Kirkpatrick, medical director and ophthalmologist at Newmedica.
"As a leading provider of NHS ophthalmology services, our programme at 100% Optical is part of ongoing commitment to training colleagues across the eye health sector from primary to secondary care. Delegates can find out more about the training and how Newmedica works with community optometry by visiting our stand, number E42. Our consultants and wider team are looking forward to chatting across the three days of the showcase optical event.
"Our CPD sessions will take place in the Newmedica future practice room, E70, which is next to our stand. There is also a main stage lecture on Monday 3 March."
There will be a discussion workshop titled ‘Eye-dentify - trichiasis versus entropion’. It will help clinicians identify and manage these conditions – with community optometrists usually the first port of call for these conditions. It takes place between 10.30am and 11.30am on 1, 2 and 3 March.
There is also a one-hour peer review delving into newer treatments for glaucoma management at 1pm on 1 and 2 March as well as at 11.45am on 3 March It will explore how optometrists in the community can work with secondary care providers to support early detection of glaucoma and have the confidence to discuss treatment options with their patients.
A discussion workshop, titled: ‘Seeing eye to eye - overcoming challenges in patient care’, will present two cataract cases and an AMD scenario with their own unique challenges. It will explore skills and tools within communication and leadership to support management of patients who require both primary and secondary care. It is suitable for both optometrists and dispensing opticians working in any eye care setting. It takes place at 3.30pm to 4.30pm on 1 and 2 March and at 1pm to 2pm on 3 March.
There will then be a main stage interactive session featuring cataract, glaucoma and AMD patient case studies. The interactive one-hour session will use these case studies to address challenges in eye care and how practitioners can deliver for their patients, through greater integration of primary and secondary care.
This lecture, titled ‘Innovate and integrate – transforming eye care’, is being led by Mr Kirkpatrick and takes place between 1 and 2pm on Monday 3 March.
"I will talk about different patient case studies to demonstrate the real-world benefits of patient-centered services. By working together, we can overcome barriers and significantly enhance patient outcomes," he says.
This session is suitable for optometrists and dispensing opticians keen to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field. Attendees can expect to be able to outline at least three challenges in the NHS that require collaborative efforts among colleagues in the interest of patients. They will also be able to summarise at least two advanced ophthalmology treatment options that can benefit their patients.
