This course is extremely valuable for qualified practitioners either new to the specialty or recently qualified and associate/assistant practitioners or theatre support practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge. It may also be of interest to Operating Department Practitioners who want to bolster their skills and knowledge within ophthalmology.

Course content

Day 1

• Revision of anatomy and physiology of the eye
• General overview of ophthalmic surgery: cataract, trabeculectomy, vitreo-retinal, strabismus, oculoplastic, corneal
• The WHO check and key theatre safety considerations
• Ophthalmic anaesthesia: local blocks, sedation and key general anaesthetic considerations
• Ophthalmic surgical pre-assessment
• The theatre environment, efficiency, finance and communication

Day 2

• Scrub practitioner, instrument practice and microsurgery
• Lasers in ophthalmology, there use and safety
• Electro-surgery and diathermy
• The ophthalmic microscope in theatre
• Assisting the ophthalmic surgeon
• Micro/histopathology, specimen management and processing
• Patient recovery and ophthalmic pain