On stage at 100% Optical: spotting the signs of vitreoretinal conditions

In the lead-up to 100% Optical 2023 in February, OT reached out to a selection of speakers from the education programme to find out more about the sessions on offer, the topics that will be explored, and what visitors can expect. Find the full series, along with further content on 100% Optical on OT’s dedicated page.

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At 100% Optical, Miriam Minihan, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, will outline the most common vitreoretinal conditions that present to the hospital service. Conditions set to be discussed include: posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears and retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and vitreoretinal complications of macular degeneration and diabetes. OT sought top tips on what to expect.

What is the focus of your session?

I will be speaking about aspects of surgical retina which are of interest to optometrists. I will focus on the symptoms and signs of vitreoretinal conditions and how we manage them.

What are some of the key messages you wish to highlight?

I want to highlight how we determine the differing degrees of urgency in referring patients, what vitreroretinal disorders require urgent review, and which ones need to be seen fairly quickly or can be seen routinely.

Optometrists are so often the first port of call for patients with vitreoretinal problems

Who is this topic for? Who might benefit the most from joining?

This is relevant for optometrists at any stage, both those who are newly-qualified and those who have been practicing for some time as a refresher.

Why is this topic so important for optometrists to engage with?

Optometrists are so often the first port of call for patients with vitreoretinal problems. They are excellently placed to advise urgent referral, or to reassure the patient who can seek advice on a routine basis.

What do you hope the top takeaway will be for attendees?

I hope attendees takeaway an understanding of the different vitreoretinal conditions, their symptoms and signs, and the degree of urgency with which we need to treat them.