Last year, it was announced that Optos were teaming up with the company Amydis in developing retinal screening for Alzheimer’s disease. Amydis have developed a technique that allows the visualisation of amyloid build up in the retina. Amyloid is a useful biomarker which is found in increasing amounts as the disease progresses. In this interview, we speak to Anne-Marie Cairns to find out more about the technique and the possible future role that optometrists might have in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease ..read more

Electronic devices and adapted software are increasingly being sought out by patients with visual impairment. It is becoming more important that optometrists have a good understanding of the technology available so that the best advice is given. To understand the emerging technologies, Dr Michael Crossland explains how the OrCam and the OxSight devices can be used to help visually impaired individuals in their everyday lives ..read more

Diabetic retinopathy is emerging as a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is set to revolutionise the way clinicians gather and analyse clinical data. One of the recent trends has been the increasing use of portable systems to gather and transmit clinical data. In this interview we speak to Dr Jorge Cuadros, Santa Cruz based optometrist and co-founder of EyePACS, to find out more about the web-based application that allows for remote diagnosis of patients by off-site optometrists ..read more

Last year, it was announced that Optos were teaming up with the company Amydis in developing retinal screening for Alzheimer’s disease. Amydis have developed a technique that allows the visualisation of amyloid build up in the retina. Amyloid is a useful biomarker which is found in increasing amounts as the disease progresses. In this interview, we speak to Anne-Marie Cairns to find out more about the technique and the possible future role that optometrists might have in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease ..read more

Electronic devices and adapted software are increasingly being sought out by patients with visual impairment. It is becoming more important that optometrists have a good understanding of the technology available so that the best advice is given. To understand the emerging technologies, Dr Michael Crossland explains how the OrCam and the OxSight devices can be used to help visually impaired individuals in their everyday lives ..read more

Diabetic retinopathy is emerging as a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is set to revolutionise the way clinicians gather and analyse clinical data. One of the recent trends has been the increasing use of portable systems to gather and transmit clinical data. In this interview we speak to Dr Jorge Cuadros, Santa Cruz based optometrist and co-founder of EyePACS, to find out more about the web-based application that allows for remote diagnosis of patients by off-site optometrists ..read more

Macular pigments absorb shorter wavelength visible light, act as anti-oxidants and reduce degenerative processes. They may also play a role in vision: specifically contrast sensitivity and glare reduction. Accurate measurement of the pigments is useful clinically as a means of assessing macular protection, especially in those susceptible to degeneration. In this interview, we speak to Dr Shelby Temple about a new macular pigment screening tool that has been recently developed at Bristol University ..read more

The eyelids are an essential component of maintaining a healthy tear film and treatment of eyelids is often part of a management strategy for dry eye disease. One long-established technique for dry eye disease treatment involves the use of warm compression, although more recently, controlled abrasion has also been used as part of a management strategy. To understand the importance of a more recent treatment option, Dr Keyur Patel explains how the use of very high energy impulses on the eyelids can help treat dry eye disease ..read more

The lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the mainstay treatment for primary open angle-glaucoma and slows down further progression of the disease. Many patients present with raised IOP but without optic nerve damage and this is termed ocular hypertension. Many ocular hypertensives convert to glaucoma, and so lowering their IOP helps reduce the risk of the disease establishing. Recently published LiGHT study suggests that the use of a laser treatment, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), may replace the need for on-going use of IOP-lowering drops. In this interview, we speak to Dr Deacon ..read more

Macular pigments absorb shorter wavelength visible light, act as anti-oxidants and reduce degenerative processes. They may also play a role in vision: specifically contrast sensitivity and glare reduction. Accurate measurement of the pigments is useful clinically as a means of assessing macular protection, especially in those susceptible to degeneration. In this interview, we speak to Dr Shelby Temple about a new macular pigment screening tool that has been recently developed at Bristol University ..read more