So far, the cases received have primarily focused on clinical matters or contact lens specialism, as with the example below. Remember that case studies might also reflect the other domains under the CPD scheme, so examples of where you may have addressed a patient complaint, non-tolerance, dealt with a communication challenge or, perhaps, had to liaise with another professional are all potentially suited to case study submissions.

Case Study Example

Patient:

ME, male, date of birth 23/12/83

Current contact lenses: Patient attended wearing J&J Acuvue 1 Day Moist contact lenses in both eyes: -4.50/ 9.00/14.20. They had been wearing these since 2005.

Visual acuity:

  • R: 6/5-2
  • L: 6/6+3
  • Binocular:  6/5+2 (N5)

Challenge

Patient wanted to go back-packing, so space was at a premium. I suggested that Miru flat pack lenses (from Menicon) would reduce his contact lens load, so we inserted a trial pair, R&L: -4.50/8.60/ 14.20.

Unfortunately, the acuity with the new lenses was:

  • R: 6/12
  • L: 6/9+3
  • Binocular: 6/6-3 (N5)
  • No significant improvement with over-refraction.

His spectacle Rx was:

  • R: -5.25/-0.50 x 70 (6/4-2)
  • L: -5.25/-0.50 x 85 (6/5)
  • Binocular 6/4 (N6 just)

Discussion

Focusing on the difference in achieved distance acuity, it seems as if, despite the fact that the newer lenses seemed to fit OK, I believe this loss of acuity was due to the patient having very flat corneas, consequently causing a distortion in the optic zone. Because extended wear was not an option, he had to travel with packets of his usual lenses.

Over the years, I have experienced several patients who have been either physically or visually uncomfortable with contact lenses so the two base curves that Johnson & Johnson have in many of their products can quite often resolve the issues.

Case Submission

Each case should be sent to opticiancpd@markallengroup.com and should follow the following format:

  • Initial information at presentation
  • Details of the case, assessment and results relevant to the case
  • Some indication of diagnosis, interpretation, analysis or conclusion
  • Indication of management and outcome
  • Evidence of further reading or references are encouraged

Each case should be anonymised and submitted as a word attachment, with any image files or scans as separate attachments. The subject box of your email should clearly be marked as 'INTERACTIVE CASE STUDY'.

Please include the following:

  • Name and GOC number
  • Domain that applies to your case

Feedback and certification will be sent via the same email address once the case has been reviewed. Suitable cases may be considered for publication with the permission of the author.

Domains

Cases will be considered for approval if they concern any of the CPD domains, as follows:

  • Professionalism; C 101119
  • Communication; C 101118
  • Clinical practice; C 101117
  • Leadership and accountability; C 101121
  • Contact lens opticians; C 101122
  • Therapeutic optometrists; C 101124

Any questions on our CPD programme? Email: bill.harvey@markallengroup.com.