History and Symptoms: The Eye Examination
Ever feel like taking a patient case history is more exhausting than enlightening? You’re not the only one.
Tired of awkward silences when patients give you one-word answers?
Frustrated that you sometime let vital information slip through the cracks?
Overwhelmed by the pressure to be thorough yet efficient with every case history?
Bemused that your patient gives different answers to your supervisor or attending that they gave to you?
Wishing you had a reliable way to connect with every patient, no matter their personality?
These hurdles can turn an eye examination into a challenging puzzle. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Imagine walking into every appointment confident that you’ll get all the information you need—without the stress!
Ready to change the way you handle case histories? Stick around to find out how.
Enhance your optometric case history taking skills with our study guide designed to make you more efficient increase your confidence.
Whether you are just starting out in your optometry career, battling through pre-registration or just wish to become more effective at taking a case history, then this guide is for you!
History & Symptoms Quiz
Think that you are a pro at taking the case history during an eye examination?
Take our quick, 8-question quiz and find out if you are a top history-taker, or someone with the worst history-taking skills in, well, history!
Don’t worry if you score poorly – we won’t tell your lecturers or the GOC – as these results are not recorded! (Our guide can help you improve if you don’t score the full 100%!)
How did you do?
No matter your score, the History and Symptoms Study Guide is here to support your growth as an optometrist! We’ve tried to keep the price low to ensure as many optometrists can benefit from this guide as possible!
Discover the Essentials
Our study guide is divided into two main parts, ensuring you get both theoretical knowledge and practical experience:
Theory: Understand the why, when, and what of taking a thorough case history, along with communication tips to build rapport with patients.
Case Studies: Explore 20 detailed scripts covering routine tests, vision loss, and eye pain or discomfort. These case studies, complete with patient personalities and scenarios, offer practical, hands-on experience.
Each case study is then broken down to key take-home messages that you can gain from the script.
This guide is more than just reading material—it’s your roadmap to becoming a confident and efficient optometrist.
“It’s a really useful resource for students. Definitely worth it!”
“E” – Dispensing Optician and 3rd Year Optometry Student
Why This Study Guide is Your Must-Have Resource
Simple but In-Depth
Easy to understand, packed with valuable insights. You’ll master the art of taking a thorough case history with minimal effort.
Versatile Use
Study solo or in pairs/groups. This guide can be adapted to your preferred learning style, making it a versatile tool for any situation.
Essential for Your Routine
Mastering case history is crucial. With this guide, you’ll plan your eye tests around accurate, efficient patient information, saving you time and boosting your professional confidence.
Hear From Those Who Own It!
Don’t just take my word for it—here are some thoughts from students and professionals who have used the study guide and seen real results. Their experiences speak volumes about the value and impact of this guide.
This is just a small sample of the many messages we have received regarding the study guide – and we really want you to join the ranks of students and optometrists that benefit from it!
As you can see – the guide is well appreciated and there are calls for a sequel and series… so watch this space – as the History and Symptoms: Contact Lenses is currently being written!
Meet Jason Searle
Jason Searle BSc(Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc. is a dedicated UK-based optometrist with a wealth of experience in eye care. His journey began in 2008 as an ophthalmic science practitioner at Bristol Eye Hospital. Realising his potential for growth, Jason pursued a degree in optometry and vision science at Cardiff University, graduating with First Class Honours.
With over a decade of experience across various practices and roles, including research and teaching, Jason has likely seen it all. He’s passionate about educating not just future optometrists but also patients and colleagues, ensuring everyone achieves the best possible eye health outcomes. Jason’s diverse background includes working in primary care, contributing to a major cataract study, and assisting in the glaucoma department at a local ophthalmology unit.
As a practicing optometrist and part-time associate lecturer, Jason brings his real-world insights into the classroom and beyond, helping others master the art of case history taking and the wider art of optometry. He’s committed to enhancing patient care through effective communication and thorough case histories, making your optometric journey smoother and more efficient.
“Thank you for your support. You truly go above and beyond in explaining things clearly”
“M.NA.” – 3rd Year Optometry Student
Who Makes an Appearance?
The guide is beautifully illustrated using consistent themed prompts from the Midjourney AI image creating engine. Care has to be taken to giving any patient a name and a face and, whilst the cases are based on real encounters that Jason has encountered in the past, the names and likenesses have been changed to help protect the identities of the patients involved.
It can often be easier to retain and apply the knowledge gained from a lecture or a case study when a picture of the person it is relating to is included.
Therefore creating these characters have added another layer of authenticity to the encounters; not only increasing the learning experience, but also helping develop feelings of empathy and rapport.
The above slideshow shows a selection of the patients that you will see as you journey through the study guide.
Purchase Information
We have chosen Amazon to publish this book, as they have consistently proven to publish books to a high quality. They also offer a print-on-demand service, making it a more environmentally-friendly way of providing these books. Additionally, choosing Amazon as a publisher aids in keeping publishing costs low – keeping this book affordable to those that need it.
To purchase your copy, follow this link and add the guide to your Amazon cart, completing your order in the usual way.
Don’t forget that you can have this guide delivered for free should you have an Amazon Prime account, with students currently being offered a 6-month free-trial of Amazon Prime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the History and Symptoms: The Eye Examination study guide?
The study guide includes comprehensive theory on case history taking and 20 detailed case study scripts. These cover routine tests, vision loss, and eye pain or discomfort, helping you practice and refine your skills.
The guide is 114 pages long and available to purchase in paperback on Amazon.
Can the History and Symptoms study guide be used for group studies?
Absolutely! The guide is designed to be versatile. You can use it solo or practice with peers, making it a valuable tool for both individual and group learning.
Are there any discounts available?
Occasionally, Amazon may put this guide on offer. If we are aware it is on offer at any time, we will promote through our social media channels.
The Eye Care Advocate may also attend events in the future, and may hold several copies – if so they may be on offer at these events. Follow @theeyecareadvocate on Instagram to be alerted to potential in-person sales.
Can we purchase for our library, university or organisation?
Yes. Individual copies can be purchased through Amazon, but please contact us for details if you wish to make a bulk purchase – as discounts can be arranged.
What if I need a refund?
While we stand by the quality of our study guide, if you’re not satisfied, please contact Amazon in the first instance. We will happily receive feedback and assist in concerns where possible.
Do you offer digital copies?
Digital copies can be obtained in PDF format. Initially this guide was available as an eStudy guide, but many requested that attention be focused on a physical product. If you wish to purchase a digital copy, please contact me directly for details.
Do you do other appointment types other than primary care?
Whilst this guide focuses on primary care optometry, other guides that cover both contact lens appointments, low vision and paediatric optometry are currently in the works. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to be informed of when they will be released.
Why are you charging for this content when a lot of your content is free?
Good question. It takes a considerable amount of time to produce this content, requiring hours away from both work and my family. When I am off work creating content, I am not being paid. Couple this costs of running the website, services offered and the printing of the book it leaves me running at a loss.
The royalties received from the book help to offset the cost of these outgoings and enable me to have time and finances to keep the website operational.
Can I have a sample?
Of course. Click the button below and you’ll be taken to a sample page. This character does not appear in the book – so downloading this one gives you an extra script to play with!
Don’t Wait – Enhance Your Skills Today!
Taking an accurate case history is crucial for every optometrist. With our Study Guide, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to excel in your practice. So what are you waiting for?