It is likely that high street eye care practices will become increasingly used to assessing and managing external eye conditions in the coming years. Even without the expected rise in numbers of independent prescribing optometrists, it is hard to justify the number of general practitioner or, worse, walk-in hospital appointments that are centred on eye infections or allergies, self-limiting ocular conditions, or adnexal concerns that might easily be managed in the primary care setting. Indeed, one would hope that optometric practice might be the most appropriate first port of call for many eye conditions, possessing as it should the right equipment and skilled eye care staff. That most people first think to go to their GP, pharmacist or even hospital with any eye condition surely cannot be sustained and it is hoped that improved education of the public along with healthcare pathway protocols and funding structures will see greater access to eye health management in the practice setting.
Click the link below to find six cases that are of varying degrees of severity. In each case you will be asked two questions relating to the condition presented. The underlying theme is an important one. Many apparently innocuous eye disorders may persist or recur, not just because of poor compliance with any treatment, but sometimes as a reflection of an underlying systemic influence. Recognising this fact is essential.
If a condition is to be managed in primary care, careful record-keeping is important. Where the duty of care is being maintained, for example in the case of a self-limiting condition, not only should there be a record of exactly the recommended treatment (compliance with management advice is the major reason for poor recovery of conditions such as blepharitis), but also a note of the expected time of recovery. For example, if it is noted that treatment should continue for a set time, say two weeks, it should also be noted that the patient should return if symptoms persist or worsen. If treatment has been complied with, then it is important that other factors might be considered as possible influences and then a different approach to management be offered. Full answers with a discussion will be published at the end of the CET active period.