Category: Pre-Registration Optometrists
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10 “Must-Read” Books for Optometry Students Starting in 2025
This article, Top 10 Books for Optometry Students Starting in 2025 contains affiliate links to Amazon. Please note, that any products purchased via these links may generate a referral fee for The Eye Care Advocate, which will help keep the website operational. Embarking on an optometry degree in the UK is an exciting step towards…
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Goldmann Applanation Tonometry: You’ve GAT This!
Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (also known as GAT) is the most trusted method for measuring intraocular pressure1 (IOP), crucial for detecting and managing glaucoma, amongst other reasons for requiring an IOP measurement. This technique involves flattening a small part of the cornea1,2 to estimate the eye’s internal pressure. Using the Imbert-Fick principle2, Goldmann applanation tonometry delivers…
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Compassion for Patients: How Small Acts Make Big Differences
Compassion for patients is an essential part of eye care. It’s more than medical expertise – it’s about making people feel safe, valued, and understood. Some appointments can be daunting, especially when patients face uncertainty about their vision or a diagnosis. A calm presence, patient listening, and reassuring words can ease their worries. This post…
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Duochrome Test: A Simple Trick to Aid Your Refraction
The duochrome test is a simple yet powerful tool in subjective refraction1. It helps fine-tune the spherical endpoint by using longitudinal chromatic aberration1,2. Chromatic aberration is a property within optics where different wavelengths of light focus at slightly different points2. The test presents black letters or circles against a red-green split background2 (Figure 1). This…
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Receiving Valid Consent: It’s Better Received Than Taken
Receiving valid consent is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, including optometry and optics. It ensures that patients are fully informed and willing to participate in their care. Unconsented contact, such as touching an eyelid, may be considered assault in the eyes of the law, making it essential to receive valid consent to stay within legal…
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Van Herick Technique: An Angle for Beginners
The Van Herick technique is a straightforward and effective way to assess the anterior chamber angle1,2. By using a slit lamp to observe the gap between the corneal endothelium and the iris surface, this method allows practitioners to quickly determine if further investigation is needed without discomfort to the patient. Moreover, it offers great interobserver…
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Communicating With Patients: A Key Skill in Optometry
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful patient care. When it comes to optometry, communicating with patients is crucial to understanding their needs and providing the best possible treatment. The General Optical Council (GOC) emphasises the importance of communication as one of its standards (GOC Standard 2: Communicate effectively with your patients). This standard guides…
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PRESBYOND: Presbyopia Treatment Beyond Traditional Methods
This article is sponsored by EuroEyes Laser Eye Clinic London to share insights about the refractive surgery known as PRESBYOND. Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing that affects near vision, making everyday tasks like reading or using a phone more challenging1. While options like varifocals, multifocal contact lenses, and monovision corrections are common, they…
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Slit Lamp Filters: Lighting the Way to Better Eye Exams
Slit lamp filters play a crucial role in modern eye examinations. These adjustments to the slit lamp illumination can increase your ability to assess the eye effectively. Each filter has its own purpose, helping practitioners assess, diagnose, and manage various eye conditions with precision. From improving contrast to highlighting fluorescein staining, they add incredible value…
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Listening to Patients and Involving Them in Their Care
Have you ever wondered what sets the best optometrists apart? It’s not just their technical skills, but their ability to listen to their patients. One of the key attributes of working as an optometrist in the UK is being compliant with the General Optical Council‘s (GOC) standards of practice. Following these standards ensures we provide…