Masterclass in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a subspeciality of ophthalmology that deals with damage to the optic nerve causing sight loss. In this course you will learn about the presentation, diagnosis and management of primary and secondary glaucoma.

The course covers the basics of glaucoma, starting with the study of its patterns and diagnostic methods such as optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure measurements, and visual fields. It explores both open and closed-angle glaucoma, discussing primary and secondary causes. The course also delves into management techniques, including selective laser trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy, and aspects of glaucoma surgery.

Run jointly by the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital, the course with be available from Monday 30 June 2025 and will be hosted on UCL Extend, UCL's learning platform for short courses and professional education.

Who is this course for?

The course is ideal for any of the following healthcare professionals interested in gaining a concrete foundation in glaucoma:

• ophthalmologists.
• resident doctors.
• physicians.
• general practitioners.
• medical students.
• optometrists.
• orthoptists.
• ophthalmic nurses.
• vision scientists.

Course content

• Epidemiology & genetics of glaucoma
  • Who gets glaucoma – demographic and socio-economic risk factors.
  • Genetic markers of risk.
  • Steps toward precision medicine and individually tailored treatment to achieve the best outcomes for each patient.
• Primary angle closure
  • Understand the mechanism and risk factor for primary angle closure.
  • Understand the classification of disease severity
  • Evaluate different treatment options and their suitability in different stages of disease.
• Imaging of the optic disease and macula for diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma
  • Features and strengths of major imaging technologies used to examine the optic nerve and retina including.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT – time domain, spectral domain and swept source.
  • What machines can and cannot do.
  • Interpreting data generated by machines, and using it to make clinical decisions.
• Imaging of the anterior segment
  • Features and strengths of major anterior segment imaging platforms, with particular focus on anatomy of the drainage angle.
  • Ultrasound biomicroscopy.
  • Anterior segment OCT – time domain, spectral domain and swept source.
  • Landmarks and key features.
  • How to use imaging in diagnosis and planning management.
• Laser treatments for glaucoma
  • Laser iridotomy.
  • Laser iridoplasty.
  • Laser trabeculoplasty (argon and selective).
  • Cyclo-ablation (trans-scleral, endoscopic and micropulse).
• Surgery for glaucoma
  • Trabeculectomy.

Teaching and structure

The course content is designed so that you can go through the topics and pre-recorded lectures online at your own pace. There will be a forum for asking questions. The course comprises:

• 3 hours self-study
• 7 hours of lectures (pre-recorded)

Certificates and assessment

There will be a multiple-choice quiz with 20 questions at the end of the course.

A certificate of completion will issued on completion of the multiple choice quiz and course feedback form.

Ophthalmologists are eligible for self-certification of CPD points at 1 point/hour in their portfolio.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the epidemiology of glaucoma.
• Demonstrate the process of diagnosing glaucoma.
• Diagnose and treat primary and secondary forms of open and closed-angle glaucoma.
• Evaluate laser, medical, and surgical treatment options for patients.

Cost

The standard course cost is £450. We're running a 10% discount for June, add MCINTROG at the basket to apply the discount. 

This online course will be available from Monday 30 June 2025.