Sound Optometry

Episódios

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  60: Glaucoma – Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery 01.07.2026 28min

  In recent years, there have been a number of exciting new treatments for glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition that is increasing in prevalence as the population ages. These innovations ensure that patients no longer face a binary choice between eye drops and invasive surgery. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is joined by optometrist Matt Roney and ophthalmologist Neeru Vallabh at the Royal Liverpool University Hospitals. They discuss the range of options now available to manage glaucoma, focusing on Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS). What do optometrists need to know about these treatments to enable better clinical decision-making?GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  59: Vision and driving – Protecting the public and the patient 28.05.2026 30min

  The UK government has recently finished consulting on proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over as part of the licence renewal process. The current vision standards for driving have been in place since the 1930s, and several tragic cases in which poor eyesight has contributed to fatal collisions have highlighted why many believe reform is long overdue.No matter how the system ends up being reformed, it is essential that optometrists are confident in their understanding and implementation of the rules. After all, optometrists have a duty not only to their patients, but also to protect the public.In this episode, Michelle Hanratty seeks advice from optometrists Paramdeep Bikhu, representing the College of Optometrists, and Aishah Patel of the Association of Optometrists (AOP), on how to assess and communicate a patient’s fitness to drive. Paramdeep and Aishah also explain how their organisations are continuing to advocate for further reforms to the eyesight requirements for driving.GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  58: TFOS DEWS III – A new chapter in DED management 23.04.2026 28min

  Last year, the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) released the DEWS III report — a clinical roadmap for managing dry eye disease (DED). TFOS DEWS III incorporates the latest research and is designed to give optometrists clarity on how to improve clinical practice. Reflecting a wealth of new evidence, the new guidelines have refined the definition of DED, changing some diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations.In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks dry eye specialist and optometrist Sarah Farrant — a TFOS UK ambassador — about how to put the new information into practice. She’ll also explain what to do if you want to set up a dedicated dry eye clinic yourself.Sarah recently presented a Docet webinar on the same topic, called “TFOS DEWS III: What's new, what matters, what to do Monday morning?” Throughout the interview, Michelle asks some of the questions left by webinar participants. You can watch the session here.GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  57: Adult Diplopia – Double the trouble? 19.03.2026 30min

  When we think about binocular vision (BV), we typically focus on the paediatric cohort. But there are hundreds of thousands of adults across the UK who have developed BV issues later in life, including double vision. This can be a clinical challenge that not every optometrist is confident in managing. Many of these patients struggle with their daily activities. Some people lose hope that their vision can be restored.In this episode, consultant ophthalmologist Nadeem Ali tells Michelle Hanratty that there are options available for adults with double vision, not just prism correction in spectacles. By pinpointing the likely cause of BV issues, optometrists can identify patients who might benefit from treatment and refer them on to secondary care. Nadeem provides insights from more than two decades of experience performing squint surgery, both within the NHS and at his private London Squint Clinic. Squint surgery has improved the quality of life for many patients; such as Pauline Brand, who also tells her story.GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  56: Cataract Surgery – Meeting challenges and reducing risk 25.02.2026 31min

  More than 1,500 cataract operations are carried out every day across the UK, making it one of the most common types of elective surgery undertaken by the NHS. But there are significant challenges facing cataract service delivery, with many patients — especially those with co-morbidities — struggling to access timely care. Could innovations help?In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Dr David Lockington, a consultant ophthalmologist and the President of the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, about how cataract surgery has evolved in recent years. They discuss how appropriate referral and effective management by community optometrists can help to mitigate risks in patients. David also explains how the use of advanced lenses, bilateral surgery and dropless surgery can benefit both patients and healthcare practitioners.Finally, Michelle is joined by Dr Magdalena Edington, a high-volume cataract surgeon who predominantly carries out dropless surgery at an Independent Service Provider in England. Magdalena provides tips for optometrists who carry out postoperative care for thesepatients in the community.GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  55: Vitreomacular conditions – When to monitor and when to refer 22.01.2026 34min

  Vitreoretinal problems can arise as a natural part of ageing but in some patients, something more sinister could be at play. What are the signs of vitreomacular interface disorder pathogenesis that optometrists should be picking up on in practice? In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is in conversation with Mr Kam Balaggan, a consultant in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery at Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary. Kam describes how to identify the vitreomacular conditions that might be encountered in everyday practice — from adhesion to epiretinal membranes and macular holes. He goes on to explain when and how urgently cases should be referred. Michelle also asks Kam some of the questions viewers left during his recent Docet webinar, which registered optometrists can catch-up on here.GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  54: Headaches – Causes and clinical management 19.11.2025 31min

  It’s thought that over half of the world’s population experience a headache disorder, and almost all of us have experienced the symptoms at some point in our lives. Headaches can be caused by many different factors — both visual and non-visual — and their severity can vary massively. When optometrists are examining patients, it’s not always clear how concerned to be or what to do next. After all, headaches could be a sign of an underlying health problem, from hypertension to brain tumours. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is joined by Hilary Hodgson and Dr Nav Chana, who together advised a new six-part course about headaches available on the Docet website. Hilary, an optometrist, begins by explaining what to look out for in eye examinations. Dr Chana, a GP, goes on to discuss when to refer on patients and how primary care practitioners can work together to understand the causes of headaches in a timely manner. You can enrol onto Docet’s headaches CPD course here. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  53: Periorbital Skin conditions – What’s an optometrist to do? 15.10.2025 28min

  Skin conditions are very common in the UK; for example, up to 30% of children and 10% of adults suffer from eczema. Dermatological problems can cause great discomfort or they could be the sign of a more serious underlying health condition. If the eye area is affected by a skin condition, optometrists are in a good position to help patients early-on, especially as it can sometimes be difficult to access a GP or a dermatologist in a timely fashion. In this episode, Bryan Murphy, a Consultant Dermatologist at Cathedral Health in Belfast, tells Michelle Hanratty why it’s essential for optometrists to understand periocular conditions, from allergies and inflammation to skin lesions. Bryan also provides practical advice for optometrists on history-taking and referrals when patients present with skin problems.  Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  52: Brain tumours, 2 – Red flags for referral 17.09.2025 30min

  As we heard in episode 51, around a third of people affected by brain tumours report a problem with their vision. That’s why optometrists are uniquely placed to catch suspicious signs early and refer patients into hospital for further checks. In the second of two episodes on brain tumours and neuro-ophthalmology, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Lorcan Butler, an optometrist and the Optical Engagement Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity. Lorcan explains the clinical signs to look out for, when to be suspicious and what best practice is for referring patients on. We also hear stories from brain tumour patient, Connor McCann (episode 51), idiopathic intracranial hypertension patient, Shannen Brodrick (episode 9); and communication tips from ophthalmologist, Dr Naz Raoof (episode 2).Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domain of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  51: Brain tumours, Part 1 – A unique perspective 16.07.2025 25min

  A brain tumour is an abnormal growth or mass of cells in or around the brain. They can be life-threatening and their incidence is increasing in the UK, as the population gets older. Around a third of people affected by a brain tumour report a problem with their vision. That’s why optometrists are uniquely placed to catch suspicious signs early and refer patients into hospital for further checks. You may well end up saving a life.In the first of two episodes on brain tumours and neuro-ophthalmology, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Connor McCann, an optometrist in Bristol who was incidentally diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022. Connor explains what it’s like to live with — and treat — brain tumours. He also shares insights on how to communicate with and care for patients with more compassion and empathy. Read more about Connor’s story on his blog, called “Eye Am Connor”. Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domain of Communication and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  50: Diabetic retinopathy – Dots and blots of significance 25.06.2025 28min

  Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among working age people worldwide. But thanks to the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme and an improved understanding of the impact of glycaemic control on diabetic retinopathy, there has been a significant reduction in the level of sight-loss in England and Wales. By catching the early signs of disease, eye care practitioners play a vital role in preventing the worst outcomes, such as proliferative retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. Can this positive trend continue? In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Dr Rosalind (Rosie) Creer, a Lead Optometrist for Diabetes at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Rosie emphasised how blood sugar control is directly linked to retinopathy progression, how to differentiate between different types of lesions and why the recent changes that have been made to eye screening programmes could affect optometrists. Rosie also presented Docet’s recent webinar, called, “Joining the Dots (and Blots) of Diabetic Retinopathy” and answers some of the questions that optometrists left during that session.Find more information on the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (and grading criteria) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the nations’ public health websites. This is our 50th episode of Sound Optometry and we’ve had more than one hundred thousand listens over the last five years. Thank you so much for continuing to support our podcast. Don’t forget that if you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.
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  49: Enhanced Optometric Services – Here, there and nearly everywhere 21.05.2025 29min

  Since COVID-19, a greater number of enhanced optometric services have been rolled out across much of the UK. These pathways have been proven to reduce the burden on secondary care, reduce patient waiting times and have saved the NHS millions of pounds. As a result, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have commissioned optometric services far beyond CUES, MECS and pre- and post- operative cataracts. For example, in some areas, optometrists are now providing paediatric and glaucoma services in the community. What impact are these enhanced pathways having?In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Dharmesh Patel, the CEO of Primary Eyecare Services – the largest provider of enhanced optometric care in England. Plus, Michelle asks Hayley Moore, an optometrist in Essex, about her experience of delivering enhanced paediatric and glaucoma services. Dharmesh and Hayley also provide their top tips for optometrists who want to upskill and get involved.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domain of Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  48: PACS – Management of primary angle closure suspects 23.04.2025 28min

  Primary angle closure disease is more common in the UK than was initially thought and it is important for optometrists to understand the condition’s stages of progression; from primary angle closure suspect (PACS), to primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). PACG is the stage we want to avoid, where structural damage to the optic nerve and loss of visual function have occurred because of the occluded drainage angle. PACG is far more visually destructive than primary open angle glaucoma, but if we detect the signs of primary angle closure disease early, preventative measures can be implemented, such as laser peripheral iridotomy or clear lens extraction.In this episode, Michelle Hanratty speaks to Nishani Amerasinghe, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in the south of England, who presented Docet’s recent webinar, called “PAC, PACS, and PACS+ in Focus: A guide for optometrists”.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  47: Chronic Stress – The brain-body connection 20.03.2025 26min

  Stress and burnout, which we explored in the last episode of Sound Optometry, is far from uncommon in optometrists. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty uncovers the severe implications that chronic stress can have on the health of optometrists in the future. How can we reverse its damage?Michelle is joined by Professor Anna Whittaker, a health psychologist at the University of Stirling, who highlights the role of cortisol in stress responses and its long-term effects on mood, weight, sleep and the immune system. Professor Vanja Duric, a neuroscientist at Des Moines University in Iowa, also elaborates on how chronic stress can affect the brain in an unexpected number of ways.Listen to our previous episode on how to address the root causes of stress in the workplace (episode 46). If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism, and Leadership and Accountability. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  46: Burnout in Optometry – Causes, challenges & solutions 18.02.2025 29min

  A study conducted in Australia found that around half of optometrists experience burnout. One in every three optometrists also live with a mental health condition. We all know what workplace stress can feel like, but few of us can probably spot the signs of long-term stress turning into burnout. That can lead to even more serious mental health challenges and can affect how we care for our patients.In this episode, Michelle Hanratty is joined by Neil Retallic, an optometrist and researcher in mental welfare at the University of Bradford, who is currently conducting a large survey of optometrists in the UK and Ireland. Neil explains why stress and burnout are more common in our profession than in the general population. Michelle then asks Dr Nicholas Taylor, a consultant psychiatrist, how to intervene before longer-term problems arise. Can we address root causes of stress in the workplace? Next month, Michelle will examine the physiological effect that long-term stress can have on optometrists.Listen to our previous episodes on patient mental health (episode 26) and how to improve optometrists’ general wellbeing at work (episode 24). If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism, and Leadership & Accountability. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  45: Vision and Dementia – Modifying risk for better outcomes 21.01.2025 27min

  One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia — a term used to describe a range of neurological conditions that cause the loss of cognitive functioning. It’s been established that dementia can affect vision and recently, researchers have realised that visual impairment is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, too. In other words, vision correction can, at the very least, improve the quality of life of patients who have dementia. It may even reduce the progression of their cognitive decline. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty and Dr Rakhee Shah, an optometrist, lecturer and researcher at City St George’s, University of London, discuss the connections between dementia and the eyes. Michelle then asks Simon Raw, a domiciliary optometrist at The Outside Clinic, about how to get the most out of examinations with patients who have dementia. Finally, if advanced visual corrections are required, such as cataract surgery, how can optometrists ensure that the correct consent procedure is followed? Fadi Alfaqawi, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon for Optegra, explains how to determine what is in the best interest of a patient. This podcast expands on Docet’s recent webinar, which was presented by Rakhee Shah and Simon Raw. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Communication. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  44: Corneal Conditions – Shape and clarity 26.11.2024 37min

  Optometrists commonly encounter corneal conditions in practice—such as keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy and recurrent corneal epithelial erosion syndrome. As Professor Sai Kolli explains in this podcast, the management of corneal dystrophies may involve monitoring, therapeutic treatment or onward referral, depending on their severity. Michelle Hanratty also hears from Christina and her son Sam, who discovered that he has keratoconus earlier this year. Their story illustrates the importance of regular childhood eye examinations and why clear, empathetic communication from optometrists is essential when they deliver potential diagnoses.Professor Sai Kolli is the Consultant Lead for corneal, cataract and refractive surgery at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust. This podcast expands on Docet’s “Common Corneal Conditions: What every optometrist needs to know!”, which was presented by Professor Kolli. Sai answers many of the follow-up questions that optometrists sent in. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  43: Vision Standards – Colour perception and more 17.10.2024 28min

  Vision standards and occupational eye testing can have profound consequences on patients and their families, especially when children are weighing up their career prospects. It’s therefore important that optometrists understand how tests are carried out and the implications of their results. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty takes a trip to the vision research centre at City St George's, University of London, to meet Professor John Barbur. John explains how occupational vision standards vary and how different tests are carried out. What if a patient doesn’t meet the vision standards for their dream job, though? Optometrists will often need to break bad news to patients, which can be challenging. With this in mind, Michelle receives some tips from Ian Trimmer, a social worker who specialises in mastering difficult conversations. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  42: Presbyopia – Refractive surgery solutions 17.09.2024 28min

  As it is a condition that comes on with ageing, presbyopia is something that optometrists very commonly encounter in practice. For most people who develop long-sightedness, their eyesight is easily corrected with spectacles and sometimes contact lenses. But many patients seek to reduce their dependence on spectacles and that’s where refractive surgery can provide a welcome solution.In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores how to advise patients on their options and how to manage post-surgery patients with more confidence. Professor Clare O’Donnell, Head of Eye Science at Optegra, talks about her presbyopic journey, which resulted in laser vision correction. Michelle then discusses refractive lens exchange options with Amir Hamid, a cataract and refractive surgeon. Finally, specialist refractive optometrist Sundeep Vaswani and Michelle look at the considerations that need to be taken into account when patients that have undergone presbyopic surgery attend for an eye examination.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.
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  41: Gene therapy – Now and in the future 17.07.2024 28min

  Gene therapy is one of the most exciting areas of modern medicine. In eye care, they promise to restore the vision of patients with both rare genetic eye diseases, such as a certain type of inherited retinal dystrophy, as well as more common conditions that have genetic components, like AMD. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty uncovers how gene therapies work with Omar Mahoo, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital and University College London. Michelle also hears about the first NHS approved ocular gene therapy programme, with Robert Henderson, a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Robert demonstrates the impact that gene therapies can have on patients and how optometrists can play an important role in supporting these treatments.If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn.This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.