Exhibitions & Meetings
Taking meaningful steps to prevent sight loss caused by glaucoma
Taking meaningful steps to prevent sight loss caused by glaucoma
LEADING ophthalmologist Nishani Amerasinghe joined two senior Specsavers clinicians at 100% Optical to highlight how collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology is vital to care for glaucoma patients.
Ms. Amerasinghe, representing charity Glaucoma UK, shared her expert insights during a main stage presentation at the optical show, held at Excel London, on Sunday 2 March.
‘With the invaluable resources and support provided by Glaucoma UK, ophthalmologists and optometrists have the power to raise awareness, enhance early detection, and empower patients to manage their condition effectively,’ said the past president of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society.
‘By embracing Glaucoma UK’s Theory for Change, we can take meaningful steps toward preventing irreversible sight loss.’
Ms Amerasinghe, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at University Hospital Southampton, also talked about the management of glaucoma patients with cataracts – particularly benefits of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
During the presentation, Specsavers director of professional advancement Paul Morris also spoke about the vital role that community optometry has to play in taking on glaucoma.
“Working together would make a fundamental difference, saving people from avoidable sight loss,” he said.
The audience was urged to think what little things they could do to make an enormous difference. Engaging their local communities to raise public awareness as well as using Glaucoma UK resources in practice and signposting patients to the charity were all good examples of how to do this, according to Mr Morris.
Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, set out the need for a clear national eye health strategy especially for chronic care like glaucoma in England.
He also urged all registrants to invite their local MP into their practices to showcase the life-changing role of optometry – and how the sector is ready and able to do more to support patients and the NHS.
Specsavers also provided a full suite of continuing professional development sessions for optometrists and dispensing opticians at its stand during 100% Optical.
The packed sessions covered paediatric care, ocular nerve pathology and caring for patients experiencing homelessness. Independent prescribing (IP), first steps in supervision with Scheme for Registration (SfR) and retinal disorders commonly encountered in primary practice were also discussed.
