What’s orthoptics got to do with contact lenses? The top 6 orthoptic & paediatric reasons why you should fit contact lenses.

Learning objectives

· To give delegates a clear understanding of the key factors that can lead to the breakdown of comfortable binocular single vision

· To help delegates recognise the ways in which contact lenses can improve binocular function, particularly sensory fusion and stereopsis

· To give delegates an overview of the orthoptic indications for contact lenses, including anisometropic amblyopia, the control of accommodative deviations, and their use in early onset nystagmus

· To provide delegates with an understanding of recent research on myopia control and its implications for contact lens practitioners

· To encourage an empathic awareness of the issue of bullying in children who wear spectacles and how this can be alleviated by fitting contact lenses

· To give practitioners an update on recent research on visual stress and its correction with precision tinted contact lenses

CET content & how it meets the objectives

The six main orthoptic and paediatric indications for fitting contact lenses will be described. For each, the underlying theory/research will be summarised, with an emphasis on clinical implications for contact lens practitioners.

 

 

 

 

 

Approved for 1 CL CET point (DO,CLO,OO)

 

There are several orthoptic & paediatric indications for contact lenses and these will be discussed in turn: anisometropic amblyopia, accommodative esotropia, myopia control, precision tinted contact lenses, nystagmus, and bullying associated spectacle wear. It will be argued that contact lenses are suitable for the vast majority of spectacle wearing children and ought to be considered as an option in all cases, and as the preferred option in the conditions listed above. Recent research on success rates for fitting children with contact lenses will be reviewed, together with information on the most appropriate types of contact lenses for children.

The content will be presented with an emphasis on clinical relevance. In particular, throughout the talk the content will be related to the practitioner in the consulting room with the patient. Tips will be given for handling the child patient, and explaining the orthoptic and paediatric indications for contact lenses to parent and child.

Professor Bruce Evans is Director of Research at the Institute of Optometry and a Visiting Professor to City University and to London South Bank University. He is a Fellow (by examination) of the College of Optometrists and holds their higher qualifications of Diploma in Contact Lens Practice and Diploma in Orthoptics. He is Chair of the College of Optometrists’ subject expert panel for their Diploma in Orthoptics. He was awarded Fellowship of the British Contact Lens Association in 2006. His main areas of research are children’s vision, dyslexia, orthoptics, headaches, and contact lenses. He has given more than 250 invited lectures, including lectures at the British Contact Lens Association Annual Conference where he has spoken on contact lenses for children, orthoptic uses of contact lenses, and contact lens solutions for presbyopes.  Bruce Evans has over 200 published papers and has authored five books on binocular vision and two on dyslexia and vision. He has an optometric practice in Brentwood, Essex, where he specialises in children’s vision and contact lenses.

Drinks reception at 18:30

Lecture will start at 19:00 and finish at 20:00

76 Portland Place
London
W1B 1NT