On stage at 100% Optical: Ocular allergy

Could you give us an insight into the topic your session will cover?

My session will cover the clinical symptoms and signs of ocular allergy, with a focus on new immunological treatments and the increasing burden of allergies seen in the community.

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

The key message is that ocular allergy is not a condition to be taken lightly; it causes people distress and affects their quality of life. Clinicians can have a positive effect on patients with advice around lifestyle, topical medications, and sometimes systemic treatments.

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

The topic is aimed at all clinicians, as it is a common condition that is often poorly recognised at the mild end of the spectrum, and poorly treated at the more severe end of the spectrum.

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

The top takeaway will be to recognise early the simple signs and symptoms of ocular allergy, and to be aware of those at greater risk. Particularly atopic individuals in which the skin signs may be minor but who have ocular co-morbidities such as keratoconus, which may go unrecognised in early stages in children, in which the clinical examination is more difficult.

2024 marks 10 years of 100% Optical. How do you feel about being part of a milestone year for the optical show?

I am very proud to be a part of the 10 years anniversary of 100% Optical and look forward to another 10 years.

Read more of OT’s coverage ahead of 100% Optical here. 

Register for the show and book your education sessions online. Due to popular demand, as the event approaches, readers are encouraged to review and cancel any education sessions that no longer fit in with their plans for the show, in order to release capacity for others to attend. Space is reserved in the programme for walk-ins, allocated on a first-come first-served basis.