Advertise on podcast: Sound Optometry

Ahead of Sound Optometry’s return in January 2027, we’re revisiting some highlights from our sixty-episode archive. In the first bonus podcast, we’re exploring how to detect and manage papilloedema.  Back in 2020, Michelle Hanratty was joined by Naz Raoof, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. They discussed the tell-tale signs of this potentially life-threatening condition and shared tips on communicating findings with patients.  Listen to Course: Sound Optometry: Episode 2 - Papilloedema in full on Docet or in your podcast app.  Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

In recent years, there have been a number of exciting new treatments for glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition that is increasing in prevalence as the population ages. These innovations ensure that patients no longer face a binary choice between eye drops and invasive surgery.  In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is joined by optometrist Matt Roney and ophthalmologist Neeru Vallabh at the Royal Liverpool University Hospitals. They discuss the range of options now available to manage glaucoma, focusing on Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS). What do optometrists need to know about these treatments to enable better clinical decision-making? GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

The UK government has recently finished consulting on proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over as part of the licence renewal process. The current vision standards for driving have been in place since the 1930s, and several tragic cases in which poor eyesight has contributed to fatal collisions have highlighted why many believe reform is long overdue. No matter how the system ends up being reformed, it is essential that optometrists are confident in their understanding and implementation of the rules. After all, optometrists have a duty not only to their patients, but also to protect the public. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty seeks advice from optometrists Paramdeep Bikhu, representing the College of Optometrists, and Aishah Patel of the Association of Optometrists (AOP), on how to assess and communicate a patient’s fitness to drive. Paramdeep and Aishah also explain how their organisations are continuing to advocate for further reforms to the eyesight requirements for driving. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

Last year, the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) released the DEWS III report — a clinical roadmap for managing dry eye disease (DED). TFOS DEWS III incorporates the latest research and is designed to give optometrists clarity on how to improve clinical practice. Reflecting a wealth of new evidence, the new guidelines have refined the definition of DED, changing some diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks dry eye specialist and optometrist Sarah Farrant — a TFOS UK ambassador — about how to put the new information into practice. She’ll also explain what to do if you want to set up a dedicated dry eye clinic yourself. Sarah recently presented a Docet webinar on the same topic, called “TFOS DEWS III: What's new, what matters, what to do Monday morning?” Throughout the interview, Michelle asks some of the questions left by webinar participants. You can watch the session here. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

When we think about binocular vision (BV), we typically focus on the paediatric cohort. But there are hundreds of thousands of adults across the UK who have developed BV issues later in life, including double vision. This can be a clinical challenge that not every optometrist is confident in managing. Many of these patients struggle with their daily activities. Some people lose hope that their vision can be restored. In this episode, consultant ophthalmologist Nadeem Ali tells Michelle Hanratty that there are options available for adults with double vision, not just prism correction in spectacles. By pinpointing the likely cause of BV issues, optometrists can identify patients who might benefit from treatment and refer them on to secondary care. Nadeem provides insights from more than two decades of experience performing squint surgery, both within the NHS and at his private London Squint Clinic. Squint surgery has improved the quality of life for many patients; such as Pauline Brand, who also tells her story. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

More than 1,500 cataract operations are carried out every day across the UK, making it one of the most common types of elective surgery undertaken by the NHS. But there are significant challenges facing cataract service delivery, with many patients — especially those with co-morbidities — struggling to access timely care. Could innovations help? In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Dr David Lockington, a consultant ophthalmologist and the President of the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, about how cataract surgery has evolved in recent years. They discuss how appropriate referral and effective management by community optometrists can help to mitigate risks in patients. David also explains how the use of advanced lenses, bilateral surgery and dropless surgery can benefit both patients and healthcare practitioners. Finally, Michelle is joined by Dr Magdalena Edington, a high-volume cataract surgeon who predominantly carries out dropless surgery at an Independent Service Provider in England. Magdalena provides tips for optometrists who carry out postoperative care for thesepatients in the community. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

Vitreoretinal problems can arise as a natural part of ageing but in some patients, something more sinister could be at play. What are the signs of vitreomacular interface disorder pathogenesis that optometrists should be picking up on in practice?  In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is in conversation with Mr Kam Balaggan, a consultant in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery at Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary. Kam describes how to identify the vitreomacular conditions that might be encountered in everyday practice — from adhesion to epiretinal membranes and macular holes. He goes on to explain when and how urgently cases should be referred.  Michelle also asks Kam some of the questions viewers left during his recent Docet webinar, which registered optometrists can catch-up on here. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

It’s thought that over half of the world’s population experience a headache disorder, and almost all of us have experienced the symptoms at some point in our lives. Headaches can be caused by many different factors — both visual and non-visual — and their severity can vary massively. When optometrists are examining patients, it’s not always clear how concerned to be or what to do next. After all, headaches could be a sign of an underlying health problem, from hypertension to brain tumours.  In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is joined by Hilary Hodgson and Dr Nav Chana, who together advised a new six-part course about headaches available on the Docet website. Hilary, an optometrist, begins by explaining what to look out for in eye examinations. Dr Chana, a GP, goes on to discuss when to refer on patients and how primary care practitioners can work together to understand the causes of headaches in a timely manner.  You can enrol onto Docet’s headaches CPD course here.  GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

Skin conditions are very common in the UK; for example, up to 30% of children and 10% of adults suffer from eczema. Dermatological problems can cause great discomfort or they could be the sign of a more serious underlying health condition. If the eye area is affected by a skin condition, optometrists are in a good position to help patients early-on, especially as it can sometimes be difficult to access a GP or a dermatologist in a timely fashion.  In this episode, Bryan Murphy, a Consultant Dermatologist at Cathedral Health in Belfast, tells Michelle Hanratty why it’s essential for optometrists to understand periocular conditions, from allergies and inflammation to skin lesions. Bryan also provides practical advice for optometrists on history-taking and referrals when patients present with skin problems.   Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

As we heard in episode 51, around a third of people affected by brain tumours report a problem with their vision. That’s why optometrists are uniquely placed to catch suspicious signs early and refer patients into hospital for further checks.  In the second of two episodes on brain tumours and neuro-ophthalmology, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Lorcan Butler, an optometrist and the Optical Engagement Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity. Lorcan explains the clinical signs to look out for, when to be suspicious and what best practice is for referring patients on.  We also hear stories from brain tumour patient, Connor McCann (episode 51), idiopathic intracranial hypertension patient, Shannen Brodrick (episode 9); and communication tips from ophthalmologist, Dr Naz Raoof (episode 2). Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth or mass of cells in or around the brain. They can be life-threatening and their incidence is increasing in the UK, as the population gets older. Around a third of people affected by a brain tumour report a problem with their vision. That’s why optometrists are uniquely placed to catch suspicious signs early and refer patients into hospital for further checks. You may well end up saving a life. In the first of two episodes on brain tumours and neuro-ophthalmology, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Connor McCann, an optometrist in Bristol who was incidentally diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022. Connor explains what it’s like to live with — and treat — brain tumours. He also shares insights on how to communicate with and care for patients with more compassion and empathy.  Read more about Connor’s story on his blog, called “Eye Am Connor”.  Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. This episode covers the GOC domain of Communication and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among working age people worldwide. But thanks to the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme and an improved understanding of the impact of glycaemic control on diabetic retinopathy, there has been a significant reduction in the level of sight-loss in England and Wales. By catching the early signs of disease, eye care practitioners play a vital role in preventing the worst outcomes, such as proliferative retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. Can this positive trend continue? In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Dr Rosalind (Rosie) Creer, a Lead Optometrist for Diabetes at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Rosie emphasised how blood sugar control is directly linked to retinopathy progression, how to differentiate between different types of lesions and why the recent changes that have been made to eye screening programmes could affect optometrists. Rosie also presented Docet’s recent webinar, called, “Joining the Dots (and Blots) of Diabetic Retinopathy” and answers some of the questions that optometrists left during that session.Find more information on the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (and grading criteria) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the nations’ public health websites. This is our 50th episode of Sound Optometry and we’ve had more than one hundred thousand listens over the last five years. Thank you so much for continuing to support our podcast. Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.

Since COVID-19, a greater number of enhanced optometric services have been rolled out across much of the UK. These pathways have been proven to reduce the burden on secondary care, reduce patient waiting times and have saved the NHS millions of pounds. As a result, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have commissioned optometric services far beyond CUES, MECS and pre- and post- operative cataracts. For example, in some areas, optometrists are now providing paediatric and glaucoma services in the community. What impact are these enhanced pathways having? In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Dharmesh Patel, the CEO of Primary Eyecare Services – the largest provider of enhanced optometric care in England. Plus, Michelle asks Hayley Moore, an optometrist in Essex, about her experience of delivering enhanced paediatric and glaucoma services. Dharmesh and Hayley also provide their top tips for optometrists who want to upskill and get involved. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. This episode covers the GOC domain of Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

Primary angle closure disease is more common in the UK than was initially thought and it is important for optometrists to understand the condition’s stages of progression; from primary angle closure suspect (PACS), to primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). PACG is the stage we want to avoid, where structural damage to the optic nerve and loss of visual function have occurred because of the occluded drainage angle. PACG is far more visually destructive than primary open angle glaucoma, but if we detect the signs of primary angle closure disease early, preventative measures can be implemented, such as laser peripheral iridotomy or clear lens extraction.In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Nishani Amerasinghe, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in the south of England, who presented Docet’s recent webinar, called “PAC, PACS, and PACS+ in Focus: A guide for optometrists”.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.

Stress and burnout, which we explored in the last episode of Sound Optometry, is far from uncommon in optometrists. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty uncovers the severe implications that chronic stress can have on the health of optometrists in the future. How can we reverse its damage?Michelle is joined by Professor Anna Whittaker, a health psychologist at the University of Stirling, who highlights the role of cortisol in stress responses and its long-term effects on mood, weight, sleep and the immune system. Professor Vanja Duric, a neuroscientist at Des Moines University in Iowa, also elaborates on how chronic stress can affect the brain in an unexpected number of ways.Listen to our previous episode on how to address the root causes of stress in the workplace (episode 46). If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism, and Leadership and Accountability. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.