In our next conference highlight, we feature a presentation by Matthew Carter, Optometrist at Linklater Warren Ltd & Moorfields Eye Hospital titled “Keratoconus in a nutshell”. 

In his presentation, Matthew will look into the potential for the role of Optometrists in the management of keratoconus to expand.  He will explain that while traditionally optometrists have been responsible for the non-surgical visual rehabilitation of patients with keratoconus, with additional training, they can gain the skills needed to diagnose the condition and monitor patients for progression.  He will cover the essentials necessary to detect the condition within the primary care setting and the tests and techniques needed to detect progression. 

Interesting cases will be presented and discussed to highlight the key considerations that need to be made when monitoring keratoconic patients for progression.  

Matthew will also explore the optometric options available when visually rehabilitating keratoconic patients. Spectacle correction (including clinical pearls to successfully refract a keratoconic patient) and the role of standard soft contact lenses will both be discussed. The major role of specialist contact lenses in the visual correction of keratoconus will then be presented outlining the benefits, limitations, indications and general fitting characteristics of each. 

The College of Optometrists and the BCLA have teamed up to offer dedicated contact lens sessions offering contact lens CET points at Optometry Tomorrow 2016 (13 - 14 March 2016, Birmingham Hilton Metropole).  

To book a place visit www.optometrytomorrow.org, or call the OT events team on +44 (0)20 7766 4347.