Ophthalmology

Key learning objectives:

• Perform a confident ocular examination by using diagnostic ophthalmic instruments including focal illumination, the direct ophthalmoscope, indirect ophthalmoscope and slit lamp biomicroscope 

• Understand the different types of tonometry, including when and how to perform this technique.  

• Appreciate when and how to perform the more advanced techniques of gonioscopy and electroretinography 

• Revise diagnostic cytology, microbiology and biopsy sampling and appreciate the applications of the different methods of investigation 

• Review imaging techniques including ultrasound, radiography, CT and MRI 

• Describe a systematic approach to the investigation of ophthalmology cases including accurate record keeping and photography 

Key learning objectives:

• Understand basic ophthalmic embryology and post natal ocular development 

• Describe comprehensively the anatomy of the eye 

• Extend your understanding of ocular physiology including the tear film, aqueous production, lens metabolism and retinal physiology 

• Understand basic ocular immunology 

Key learning objectives:

• Describe the principles of medicating the eye 

• Understand topical and systemic drug administration 

• Explain vehicles and preparations for ophthalmic drug administration 

• Appreciate classes of drugs 

• Choose the correct drug for common ophthalmic conditions 

Key learning objectives:

• Describe the anatomy and clinical conditions involving the orbit, globe, eyelids and nictitans membranes (third eyelids) 

• Review the presenting signs of and differential diagnoses for congenital and acquired orbital disease 

• Understand the effect of facial conformation on globe and eyelid position and its associated effects 

• Appreciate breed predispositions and species differences 

• Become familiar with the aetiopathogenesis of proptosis and its treatment options 

• Recognise the different types of entropion and ectropion and their impact on ocular health 

• Understand the aetiopathogenesis of nictitans membrane disorders 

Key learning objectives:

• Describe the anatomy of the conjunctiva and understand the aetiopathogenesis of conjunctival disease and its treatment 

• Perfect your knowledge of the nasolacrimal system and abnormalities that can affect it 

• Understand secretory and excretory components, normal lacrimation and the components of the pre-corneal tear film.  

• Appreciate kerato-conjunctivitis sicca 

• Discuss the problems associated with nasolacrimal drainage 

Key learning objectives:

• Describe normal corneal anatomy 

• Review normal corneal healing and factors which can affect it 

• Understand how the cornea responds to insults 

• Discuss the different causes of corneal ulceration and its treatment 

• Explain non ulcerative corneal disease 

• Appreciate the anatomy of the episclera and sclera and understand the pathology which can affect these 

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise congenital and acquired defects involving the uveal tract and describe the presenting signs of anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis and the approach to diagnosis and treatment 

• Approach non neurological abnormalities of the pupil 

• Understand aqueous opacification 

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the normal lens 

• Explain lenticular disease and the range of congenital and acquired disease that can affect the lens and understand cataractogenesis. 

• Be familiar with the approach to cataract surgery together with patient selection, aftercare and potential complications 

• Appreciate primary and secondary lens luxation 

Key learning objectives:

• Describe the production and drainage of aqueous humour and the pathophysiology of the normotensive globe 

• Define glaucoma and understand the different types of primary and secondary glaucoma and species differences 

• Appreciate treatment options for glaucoma 

• Devise a logical approach to the investigation of neuro-ophthalmic problems and understand the relevant neurological pathways and the autonomic nerve supply 

• Recognise normal and abnormal nystagmus 

• Investigate and offer treatment options for blindness of central origin 

• Understand disorders of ocular motility 

Key learning objectives:

• Understand the normal anatomy of the retina, species differences in retinal vascular patterns and the pathological changes which can occur and their manifestation 

• Describe the process of chorioretinitis 

• Recognise both inherited and acquired retinopathies 

• Appreciate the anatomy of the vitreous, congenital and acquired conditions and different types of vitreal degeneration 

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the normal optic nerve, explain congenital and acquired conditions of the optic nerve and understand the investigation of optic nerve disease 

Key learning objectives:

• Recognise primary and secondary ocular neoplasia and explain its management 

• Discuss the ocular manifestations of systemic disease including infectious, metabolic, nutritional, toxic immune mediated or vascular aetiologies 

• Understand the work up for suspected systemic disease 

• Appreciate treatment options for systemic disease in general practice 

Key Learning Objectives:

• Recognise commonly used ophthalmic instruments and understand their use 

• Use loupes and understand operating microscopes for surgical magnification 

• Select appropriate suture material and needle designs 

• Discuss pre and post- operative care of surgical patients and appropriate anaesthetic regimes 

• Understand the basic surgical principles as they pertain to ophthalmic surgery 

Key Learning Objectives:

• Perform common surgical techniques for treating disease of the orbit, globe, eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva and cornea 

• Practise reconstructive eyelid surgery 

• Understand and perform different methods for enucleation 

• Appreciate the principles of intra ocular surgery 

Key Learning Objectives:

• Appreciate the normal and pathological appearance of histological samples including the significance of abnormalities detected 

• Understand inherited ocular disease, the principles of genetics and modes of inheritance and pedigree data analysis. 

• Appreciate different methods of reducing such disease including eye testing schemes and genetic testing 

• Explain the different conditions which affect different breeds of dog 

• Clinically recognise congenital inherited conditions encountered such as collie eye anomaly, congenital cataract, retinal dysplasia, goniodysgenesis and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous 

• Clinically recognise non-congenital inherited conditions such as hereditary cataract, primary lens luxation, generalised progressive retinal atrophy and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy 

• Develop a problem-solving approach to ophthalmic cases  

Key Learning Objectives:

• Approach the ophthalmic examination of the rabbit, bird and reptile 

• Have a basic understanding of the evolution of the eye 

• Appreciate species differences in ocular anatomy 

• Be familiar with common diseases seen in rabbits, birds and reptiles 

• Discuss the role of various species in ocular toxicology