Cataract, medical retina and disc assessment

The Cataract, Medical Retina and Optic Disc Assessment short course has been designed to meet the training needs of ophthalmic nurses, physician associates, orthoptists and ophthalmic practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of common ophthalmic conditions, including cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the assessment of optic disc abnormalities.

Course structure

This course combines 8 hours of online learning with an interactive face-to-face workshop.

The online learning will be available for three weeks, allowing participants to complete the course content at their own pace and build their foundational knowledge before attending the workshop. The face-to-face workshop will focus on the application of knowledge through case-based discussions, image interpretation and clinical decision-making exercises.

Featured topics 

Cataract

• Theoretical knowledge of cataract surgery.
• Pre- and post-operative care.
• Risks and benefits of refractive surgical options.
• Counselling patients on surgical risks and types of lens implantation.
• Principles and methodology of ocular biometry.

Medical Retina

• Anatomy and physiology of the retina.
• Knowledge and understanding of AMD.
• Assessment of the posterior segment.
• Retinal imaging, including OCT, recognition of artefacts and interpretation of common retinal pathologies.
• The role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in retinal disease.

Optic Disc Assessment

• Understanding optic disc cupping.
• Recognising normal and abnormal optic discs.
• Assessment of cup-to-disc ratio.
• Recognition and assessment of common optic disc abnormalities.
• Interpretation of optic disc photographs and OCT RNFL reports.

Benefits of attending

By the end of the course, attendees will:

• Gain an understanding of the assessment and management of common ophthalmic conditions, including cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Develop the knowledge required to support patients undergoing cataract assessment and surgery.
• Develop confidence in recognising common ophthalmic pathology and interpreting ophthalmic investigations, including OCT scans, and retinal imaging.
• Develop skills in the assessment of the optic disc, including recognition of normal and abnormal findings.
• Enhance clinical decision-making skills through participation in an interactive face-to-face workshop using real-life clinical case scenarios.

Who should apply

• Ophthalmic Nurses
• Physician Associates
• Orthoptists
• Ophthalmic Practitioners

Acccreditation

A certificate of attendance and CPD points will be awarded at the end of the course.

Requirement

To access the online learning materials, participants will require access to a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet or mobile device with internet access.

Next course dates

The next course will commence from Monday 1 March 2027. The practical day will take place on Monday 22 March.