Articles - Page 17 of 19 - Journal of the Foundations of Ophthalmology

Learning in the most intimidating ‘classroom’ – the operating theatre: A guide for medical students and junior doctors

Post published:November 1, 2021
Reading time:11 mins read
Post author:Akshay Narayan
Post category:Article

The decision to pursue a career in medicine is a reflection of one’s commitment to lifelong learning. From the moment one steps through the lecture theatre doors all the way to when he/she hangs up their stethoscope for the final time, the medic embarks on a lifelong journey of education and self-improvement. Although there is a constant emphasis on learning, the learning environment constantly evolves. Pre-clinical students by and large are taught through a combination of lecture-based and small-group theoretical and practical teaching. As these students progress to become clinical students, the main focus of their learning shifts from the lecture theatre to the clinical environment (hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries). As ophthalmology is a unique blend of medicine and surgery, clinical medical students and junior doctors may find themselves in a clinical setting that they may not be accustomed to – the operating theatre.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Post published:October 29, 2021
Reading time:7 mins read
Post author:Mohaimen Al-Zubaidy, Mustafa Al-Zubaidy
Post category:Article

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is defined as a spectrum of hereditary disorders affecting the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium, leading to progressive peripheral visual loss and night blindness. Retinitis pigmentosa is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and currently, many therapeutic challenges stand in the way of an approved therapy to stop degeneration and restore vision. pigmentosa, its underlying pathophysiology and the diagnostic steps taken by clinicians to recognise RP as well as the management of these patients.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A brief overview

Post published:September 15, 2021
Reading time:8 mins read
Post author:Mohaimen Al-Zubaidy
Post category:Article

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is one of the major causes of blindness worldwide. It is caused by single or multiple breaks in the retina and is defined by the separation of the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (1). Treatment for these cases is time sensitive with many studies advising for treatment within 24 hours to improve visual outcomes, thus early recognition and management of these cases is important particularly in cases involving the macula. This article will discuss the clinical features associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, its underlying pathogenesis as well as the steps taken in managing patients with this condition.

A Guide to the Online ST1 Ophthalmology Interview

Post published:September 8, 2021
Reading time:5 mins read
Post author:Lois Crabtree
Post category:Article

Given the unpredictable situation of the COVID-19 pandemic it is unclear whether the interviews will be held face to face for the 2021/2022 recruitment round. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists are yet to release any guidance regarding this. In case the interviews are held online again, I have outlined some helpful information for applicants about how to prepare for a virtual interview process. I have included three areas which are important to think about prior to an online interview; the environment, how to present yourself and technology.

Ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19: An Educational Review

Post published:September 7, 2021
Reading time:13 mins read
Post author:Kusy Suleiman & Omar Mostafa, Yusuf Abdallah, Simon Madge
Post category:Article

The eyes can be implicated in the initial presentation of COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, a minority of cases have presented with ocular symptoms. At times, ocular complaints have also been found to precede respiratory complaints or be the only presenting complaint of COVID-19. Ocular complaints also appear to be possibly linked with more severe disease processes clinically and biochemically. Consequently, it is important to consider COVID-19 in patients with new conjunctivitis or ocular complaints.

Visual Impairment and Services Available in a UK Setting

Post published:September 7, 2021
Reading time:12 mins read
Post author:Omar Mostafa & Kusy Suleiman, Yusuf Abdallah, Thomas Ressiniotis
Post category:Article

This article aims to introduce visual impairment in a medical context to a target audience of medical students and junior doctors. The paper aims to depict what visual impairment is, present both global and national epidemiological data, as well as showcase the potential implications visual impairment and blindness have on affected individuals.

Choroidal Melanoma: An Overview

Post published:August 23, 2021
Reading time:13 mins read
Post author:Omar Mostafa & Kusy Suleiman, Yusuf Abdallah
Post category:Article

retinal epithelium or choroidal melanocytes causing a spectrum of disorders, ranging from choroidal naevus and foreign bodies to the rarer choroidal melanoma. As choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumour, this educational review aims to provide a structured overview of this topic to students and junior doctors, to help establish an understanding of such a rare but life-threatening condition. This will also provide the reader with an insight on referral guidelines in the United Kingdom, a brief overview of various treatments, and factors that affect patient’s prognosis.

Orbital Cellulitis: A Brief Overview

Post published:February 19, 2021
Reading time:8 mins read
Post author:Robie Choudhury
Post category:Article

Orbital Cellulitis is an ophthalmic emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment to avoid potentially sight and life-threatening consequences. It is defined as an infection of the tissues posterior to the orbital septum.

Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery Course – is it worth it?

Post published:February 15, 2021
Reading time:4 mins read
Post author:Mohammad Ihsan Fazal
Post category:Article

The Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery course (IOS) is a very popular 1-day course delivered by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London. The course aims to introduce clinicians to some of the microsurgical techniques which form the foundations of commonly performed ophthalmic procedures such as strabismus, cataract, corneal and oculoplastic surgery.

Management of Bilateral Ectopia Lentis and Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma on a Background of Homocystinuria

Post published:February 14, 2021
Reading time:12 mins read
Post author:Diya Baker, Rishika Chaudhary, Hamza Duffaydar, Kim Lett
Post category:Article

This case highlights the challenges of management of lens dislocation in patients with homocystinuria. Management of lens dislocation is initially with pupillary dilation and medical management of raised IOP, supine posturing and then pupillary constriction when the lens repositions into the retropupillary space.