Eye emergencies for the non-ophthalmologist
Ophthalmological presentations account for a significant number of cases in both general practice and accident and emergency, and prompt identification and treatment can prevent irreversible sight loss.
The proportion of A&E attendances having eye problems may be as high as 6% in some settings. A&E practitioners have, however, not been confident with basic aspects of ophthalmic assessment (such as Visual Acuity measurement) and lacking in training and skills in emergency eye care with variable availability of slit lamps and training in their use (which may, or may not be deemed necessary).
Furthermore, there were an estimated 340 million GP consultations in 2012/13 and 1.5–2% of these were reported as eye related.
This course aims to give the non-ophthalmologist the knowledge, skills and confidence to evaluate and where appropriate to manage common ocular ophthalmology emergencies.
You can hear more from Dr Gordon Hay, Director of Moorfields Emergency Department by watching the short video below:
Course structure
This course comprises both a theoretical and practical element. You can choose to attend:
- Corneal foreign body removal and visual function assessment
- Eyelid eversion and chemical injury management
- Advanced slit lamp skills and direct ophthalmoscopy
- Lateral canthotomy (for doctors only)
Learning outcomes
- How to take an ophthalmic history and examine the eye
- Diagnosing the acute red eye
- Ocular trauma – treatment and management
- Important red flags not to miss!
Featured Topics
Back to basics
- Anatomy
- Ophthalmic triage
- Ophthalmic history taking
- Testing visual acuity, colour vision and pupils examination
- Clinical examination and the use of drops to evaluate the eye
The red eye
- Chemical injuries
- Foreign body removal
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
- Acute angle closure
Ocular trauma
- Orbital compartment syndrome
- How to perform a lateral canthotomy/cantholysis
- Orbital fractures
- Lid lacerations
- Periorbital cellulitis
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at doctors, aspiring ophthalmologists, nurses, allied health professionals and students wishing to learn how to recognise, manage and treat acute ophthalmology presentations. The course is suitable for community optometrists, however hospital-based optometrists are likely to find the content too basic.
Benefits of attending?
This course will enable attendees to:
- improve patient outcomes by enabling the clinician to recognise common ocular complaints and where appropriate to start treatment.
- make appropriate and improved referrals to their local eye casualty departments
- identify patients who need emergency management to preserve sight, and those who can be referred routinely to clinic
- Improve practical skills in carrying out some emergency ophthalmic procedures such as corneal foreign body removal, chemical irrigation and lateral canthotomy
Course fees
In-person attendance, half day course - £175
Virtual attendance, half day course- £125
In-person attendance, full day with practical session - £250
CPD Certification
CPD points and a certificate of attendance will be awarded at the end of the course.
The content of this course has been certified by The CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles.
The course carries 3.5 CPD hours.
Next course date
The next date for this course is 22 October 2025.
Please note that only 30 places are available to attend the full day, including the practical session. This is to ensure an adequate ratio of faculty to attendees to provide a good learning experience.
Book Now
| Date | Location | Time | Seats | Price | |
| 22 October 2025 | Online via MS Teams | Morning | £125.00 | ||
| 22 October 2025 | theory and practical; in person - Education Hub, 15 Ebenezer Street, London N1 7NH | All day | 0 | Fully booked | Join Waiting List |
| 22 October 2025 | Theory only; in person - Education Hub, 15 Ebenezer Street, London N1 7NH | Morning | 12 | £175.00 |