PhD MSc. MCOptom DipTP(AS) FBCLA FEAOO
Institute of Optometry, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Switzerland
Prof Daniela S Nosch is a lecturer at the Optometry School of the University of Applied Science in Olten, Switzerland, where she is responsible for the clinic and teaches on clinical subjects. Her main research interests are dry eye disease and contact lens wear: Specifically, the role of the superficial pain sensitive nerve endings in the sub-basal nerve complex of the corneal epithelium in the symptomology and signs of dry eye disease, ocular thermography and contact lens induced dry eye.
She also works clinically in ophthalmology and was previously over ten years in specialised contact lens practice and general optometry at the Hospital eye service as well as in private practice in the UK, Germany and Switzerland.
She has published and presented internationally. She is a member of the College of Optometrists and fellow of both, the BCLA and EAOO, as well as a member of EAOO education committee as well as the ECOO European Diploma accreditation committee.
Precision Imaging: Revolutionising Screening with Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has transformed the way ocular disease is diagnosed and categorised. By offering detailed, high-resolution cross-sectional images of eye tissue from the cornea to the retina, it facilitates early detection of structural alterations and abnormalities. This, in turn, improves the decision-making process regarding subsequent treatments and surgical interventions. As optometrists, we are in the position to offer OCT for screening purposes. This presentation aims to outline the advantages and uses of OCT, along with interpretation methodologies drawn from various case studies.
Learning objectives
- Understand the impact of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) on the diagnosis and classification of ocular diseases.
- Recognise the significance of early detection facilitated by OCT in identifying structural changes and pathologies in ocular tissue, leading to more informed decisions on treatment options and surgical procedures.
- Understand how to interpret images and to take the correct management decisions based on the findings.
References
- Ferrara D, Silver RE, Louzada, Eduardo RN, Novais A, Collins GK, Seddon JM; Optical coherence tomography features preceding the onset of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2017;58(9):3519-3529.
- Larrosa JM, Moreno-Montañés J, Martinez-de-la-Casa JM, Polo V, Velázquez-Villoria A, Berrozpe C, García-Granero M; A Diagnostic calculator for detecting glaucoma on the basis of retinal nerve fiber layer, optic disc, and retinal ganglion cell analysis by optical coherence tomography. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2015;56(11):6788-6795.
- Kotowski J, Wollstein G, Ishikawa H, Schuman JS. Imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer: An essential part of glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring, Survey of Ophthalmology, 59(4).2014:458-467.
- NICE guideline. Glaucoma: diagnosis and management. 2017. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng81.
- Lumbrosco B, Rispoli M. Guide to interpreting spectral domain optical coherence tomography. 2011. DOI:10.5005/jp/books/11328
- Rougier MB, Delyfer MN, Korobelnik JF. OCT & the retina. 2016. Laboratoires Théa
Clearing the Tears: Navigating Dry Eye Disease for Optimal Well-Being
Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common presentations in eye care practice. The symptoms range from intermittent computer-related discomfort to severe debilitating dryness. Some patients have significant symptoms with few observable signs. In contrast, others demonstrate severe ocular surface disease with minimal symptoms. Optometrists and dispensing opticians as first point of contact for eyecare therefore are in a perfect position to address DED. This presentation will cover how to detect DED, how to sensitise patients and what wide range of treatment options are available to us. Dealing with DED will improve our patients’ visual well-being, as well as their general well-being, as there is an important link between depression / reduced quality of life and DED. Optometrists and dispensing opticians may together get involved to build a business model around dry eye management in practice.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand the impact of dry eye disease as a common debilitating disease process, taking into account that symptoms and observable signs may differ significantly.
- To understand the importance of the role of optometrists and dispensing opticians as first point of contact for eyecare to address dry eye disease.
- To understand the diagnostic procedures and management options available to optometrists and dispensing opticians to improve patients’ visual and general well-being.
References
- Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, Caffery B, Dua HS, Joo CK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017 Jul;15(3):276–83.
- Craig JP, Nelson JD, Azar DT, Belmonte C, Bron AJ, Chauhan SK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Report Executive Summary. The Ocular Surface. 2017 Oct;15(4):802–12.