Getting started in therapeutics: Part 1

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Beginning a major new series, Prof John Lawrenson, Dr Justin Needle and Dr Roland Petchy set the scene with a review of current therapeutic practice and the results of a recent survey carried out by the City University for the College of Optometrists

Eye disease is managed in a variety of settings. Eye problems present commonly in general medical practice and most GPs are happy to manage a range of minor eye complaints.¹ Community pharmacists also provide advice and/or treatment for a similar range of conditions, eg minor infections, allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye. More urgent cases, particularly those involving trauma, are generally managed by the accident and emergency department of the local general hospital.²  Thus, a significant amount of 'first contact care' is provided by non-specialist staff who may lack the knowledge and dedicated equipment required for accurate diagnosis.