Ophthalmology

registration available soon all modules

Ophthalmology is vital for preserving vision, alleviating pain, preventing complications, and managing a wide range of eye conditions. It contributes significantly to an animal's overall health, comfort, and wellbeing.

This module aims to provide veterinarians the tools they need to provide fundamental care for their patients, improving outcomes and quality of life for animals with eye conditions.

Why do an ophthalmology course?

There are a number of compelling reasons why completing an ophthalmology module is beneficial to veterinarians:

  • Increases your ability to diagnose, treat and manage a variety of eye conditions
  • Provide accurate diagnoses and administer appropriate treatments.
  • Preserve vision, ensuring quality of life for animals and less stress for owners.
  • Recognition of early signs of systemic diseases can lead to better outcomes.
  • Routine exams can prevent expensive and difficult treatments.
  • Honing your knowledge and skills can lead to increase work satisfaction, increased career opportunities and improved client relationships.

Topics

Expect to spend 12-15 hours to complete this module.

  • Ophthalmology “the patient with sore eyes"
  • Anatomy/physiology
  • Exam and diagnostics
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Uveitis
  • Corneal ulceration
  • Entropion
  • KCS
  • Therapeutics

Learning objectives

  • Understand anatomy of the eye.
  • Learn how to conduct an ophthalmic exam.
  • Utilise the direct ophthalmoscope.
  • Use a condensing lens for fundic examination and up-close anterior segment examination.
  • Other ancillary tests, e.g. Schirmer tear test, fluorescein stain and tonometry.
  • Identify disease and explain treatment options for common conditions of the eye (entropion, conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, uveitis, glaucoma)
  • Identify ophthalmic emergencies and be able to triage and refer cases appropriately.
  • Be aware of ophthalmic conditions that affect certain companion species and breeds.
  • Be familiar with ophthalmic medications readily available in New Zealand that are useful in small animal practice.
  • Apply methodical steps to begin investigating blindness.

Contributors

Jack Newton-Jackson BVSc DipSciTech PgCertVPH PgC(SAO)