Full Synopsis

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Dr Paul Constable & Philip Morgan   

Currently there is no real guidance for optometrists on patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This is something Paul Constable would like to change. Paul is an optometrist and researcher at City University, and in this interview he talks to Philip Morgan about the different forms of ASD and about how the condition can make it difficult for patients to receive an eye examination. Paul and Philip go on to look at best practice principles optometrists can follow to make it easier for these patients and their families. Finally, they discuss ways in which clearer guidance can be given to optometrists in future.

 Decontamination of contact devices – Prof John Lawrenson & Hugh Breakspear

Last year the Department of Health published new recommendations on decontamination in relation to the risk of transmission of variant Creutzfedlt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). Consequently the College of Optometrists revised their guidance on the decontamination of contact devices. Professor John Lawrenson was involved in interpreting these recommendations and drafting the new College guidance. Here he speaks to Hugh Breakspear about the updated guidelines and what they mean for practising optometrists.

Problems with long term RGP wear – Judith Morris & Anna Turvey  

Anna Turvey is Superintendent Optometrist for Tesco Opticians, and an OQ listener. After noticing in her everyday work that refracting Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) wearerscould sometimes cause problems, she contacted the programme via our online survey site – http://docet-oq.opencc.co.uk/ – and asked if we would cover the topic. We arranged for her to speak to Judith Morris, a Senior Lecturer in Contact Lens Education at City University and Senior Optometrist in Contact Lenses at the Institute of Optometry. In this interview, Anna and Judith discuss a range of issues relating to RGP lenses, including how long term RGP wear can affect the spectacle prescription and the shape of the cornea.

Quarterly Review – Geoff Roberson

In the latest quarterly review, Geoff begins by following up the theme of intraocular pressure from the last edition of OQ. He discusses a paper which compares the Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer with the Goldmann tonometer, before mentioning an editorial from the British Journal of Opthalmology on the shortcomings of only measuring IOP during daylight hours. Geoff then goes on to consider an article looking at the reliability of the Tonosafe disposable Goldmann prism. Finally, Geoff reviews some interesting outcomes from a study which looked at the treatment of dry eye using Acupuncture.