Contact lens focus: beyond the sphere – London

This evening of education is delivered in partnership Alcon.

Delegates will benefit from a discussion workshop and a peer review facilitated by the Alcon team.

Presbyopia is one of the main reasons why patients present in practice. When looking at the population trends and the projections over the next 40 years, a few observations are clear: life expectancy is increasing; and the band of ages from 65-85 and over is getting wider. Consequently, the number of patients over 45 years old in clinics will increase.

It is essential to upskill on the presbyopic solutions available in practice so we can offer the best care to this patient base. With the use of four cases, we will explore the emotional journey of the emerging presbyope and help equip eye care practitioners (ECPs) with the right tools to help patients at each point of the emotional rollercoaster.

The workshop will also explore the need for a ‘visual wardrobe’ to help give presbyopes the freedom and choice to live their best lives. ECPs will then explore contact lenses as a presbyopic correction, looking at the pros and cons of multifocal versus monovision lenses, so they can make an informed clinical decision for their presbyopic patients.

Finally, we will discuss the importance of following fitting guides specific to each multifocal lens, to optimise success in practice. Throughout, ECPs will enhance their communication skills so that they are confident at talking about multifocal lenses, and in turn, help patients get the best presbyopic contact lens experience.

Learning outcome

• Practitioners will be able to outline the pros and cons of different visual solutions to patients with presbyopia
• Practitioners will recognise the relative merits of different vision correction options for presbyopia.

The peer review will explore the concept of comfortable vision for toric contact lens wearers, assessing their current needs and if we are currently meeting them. Studies show a lot of contact lens wearers with astigmatism are not satisfied with their visual experience so this session will aim to enlighten eye care practitioners on the importance of understanding the design, materials and advantages of a toric lens; this will not only increase practitioner confidence but will effectively manage the wearer’s evolving visual needs and improve their contact lens experience.

Learning outcomes

• Practitioners will be able to establish the wearing experience of toric contact lens wearers to inform management decisions
• Practitioners will recognise the importance of contact lens design and materials, and the benefits of toric contact lenses for patients.

Please note: This peer review was also delivered at 100% Optical 2024 and will cover the same content. Delegates who have already participated in this session will only be eligible for the CPD points once.

Important information

• This event is for AOP members only
• The event will take place in other locations throughout the year and will cover the same cases
• CPD points will only be available for delegates attending for the duration of the whole event.