Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Scottish ophthalmology and optometry: Refining care with Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network guidelines and virtual learning platforms

Joint Event on 18^th International Conference on Glaucoma & Retinal Diseases & 18^th World Conference on Optometry and Photo Refractive Keratectomy

September 24-25, 2018 | Dallas, USA

Roshini Sanders, Daniel Beck and Heather Ellis

University of Edinburgh, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Exp Opthamol

Abstract :

Scotland is unique in having a General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) contract for optometry that offers a primary eye examination of the public. This service is free to those over the age of 65 and anyone who has a family history of eye disease including glaucoma. If referral to secondary care is indicated this is completed electronically with digital images of the optic disc, computerized visual fields, and other relevant glaucoma referral data. In 2015 the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN), supported by the Chief Scientist Office set up the �??Glaucoma referral and safe discharge�?� guideline over 24 months with consultation from ophthalmologists and optometrists. In the same year, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Ophthalmology was designed through the virtual learning platform at the University of Edinburgh specifically for optometrists and ophthalmologists. The degree had a heavy emphasis on glaucoma to cultivate cross-learning between optometry and ophthalmology with reference to the SIGN guidelines. Scotland is globally unique in offering this model of primary eye care and referral to secondary eye care within a National Health Service (NHS). We wish to present our work with reference to the GOS, SIGN, and MSc in Clinical Ophthalmology. We also discuss the impact on patient care and the health economics of our eye care programme.

Biography :

Roshini Sanders is a full-time Consultant Ophthalmologist with special interests in glaucoma and cataract. She set up a regional glaucoma service and training programmed which has national recognition. She has published extensively (>65 publications, >125 presentations) in the fields of glaucoma, cataract and service delivery. As a result of this, she has attracted more than £8 million for the principal investigator and collaborative research in Scottish Ophthalmology and was appointed CSO specialty lead for Ophthalmology research in Scotland in 2012. She chaired the SIGN guidelines for Glaucoma in 2014.

E-mail: roshini.sanders@nhs.net