NES - General Medicine and its Relationship with Optometry

26.Sep 2010

A one-day interactive course providing an overview of common systemic diseases such as hypertension, arthritis and diabetes. The course will help you understand the relevance of systemic disease to optometry and the importance of good inter-professional communication with the GP. Click here to book.

Who is this course for?

This course is open to all optometrists working in the NHS in Scotland. Pre-registration optometrists working in Scotland may book provisional places but priority will be given to registered optometrists. This course will give optometrists working in private practice a broad understanding of the nature of common systemic pathologies and their treatments.

What will this course cover?

Through a series of lectures, practical demonstrations and patient examination sessions this course will cover:

Causes of raised blood pressure, what pressure is considered 'normal' and when & how it is treated
Causes of different forms of diabetes, the significant numbers in diabetes control, the use of insulin and the management of patients with poor control
Causes of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, their ocular implications and medical control
The measurement of blood pressure and blood sugar levels
How to develop effective communication with General Practitioners

Course content will be supported by a comprehensive, full-colour delegate pack covering the theoretical application of all of the techniques used. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Why has NES commissioned this course?

Optometrists work as part of a multi-disciplinary primary health care service with the GP at its centre. It is important that optometrists have a broad understanding of the work of a GP and knowledge of the common systemic conditions that are managed by GPs on a daily basis. Good interaction with the GP and a sound understanding of systemic disease is key to providing the best possible optometric care to the patient.