Upcoming Events

Event Location: Prema Clinic, PO6 4RP

Event Date: 23.04.26

This session is presented in two parts and aims to enhance both professional development and clinical knowledge within optometric practice.

Part 1 – The Expert Myth: Thinking Smart to Gain Expertise in Eye Care

This section challenges the assumption that expertise is simply the result of time and experience in practice. Instead, it explores five key ingredients required for developing true expertise. These principles will be illustrated using examples from everyday optometric practice, including refraction, clinical observation, case review and patient communication. Participants will be encouraged to consider how routine clinical activities can be used as deliberate learning opportunities. The discussion will highlight strategies that allow practitioners at all stages of their career—from newly qualified clinicians to experienced professionals—to continually improve their clinical judgement and diagnostic accuracy.

Part 2 – Entoptic Phenomena and Their Application in Optometric Practice

The second part of the session focuses on entoptic phenomena: visual sensations arising from structures within the eye or visual pathway. By examining these phenomena, practitioners gain insight into ocular anatomy, physiology and visual processing. The session will review common entoptic phenomena encountered by patients and discuss how understanding these experiences can assist optometrists in differentiating normal visual effects from pathological symptoms. The discussion will also highlight how entoptic phenomena can be used as educational tools when explaining visual symptoms to patients and supporting clinical decision-making.

Event Location: Prema Clinic, PO6 4RP

Event Date: 20.05.26

Summary of Presentation / Event

This CPD session, delivered by Miss Kelly Weston, provides a comprehensive overview of childhood strabismus, a common ocular condition characterised by misalignment of the eyes. The presentation reviews key aspects of clinical assessment, highlighting essential examination techniques and indicators for referral. The session covers amblyopia and its management, including optical correction, occlusion therapy and its evidence base, and when urgent referral is required.  The presentation aims to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Consideration is also given to potential complications and the broader psychosocial impact of the condition.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define strabismus, amblyopia and their main classifications .
2. Understand the common types of childhood strabismus and their associated features.
3. Conduct an appropriate clinical assessment for children presenting with suspected strabismus.
4. Recognise red flags and determine when referral to specialist services is required.
5. Outline the range of management options, including both non-surgical and surgical approaches.
6. Appreciate the potential complications and long-term impact of strabismus on patients.