Useful general information

Good practice tips for eye patient consultations

  • Record best corrected visual acuity (patients' vision wearing glasses or contact lenses)
  • It is good practice to check visual acuity for most patients who present with an eye condition
  • Significant reduction in a patient’s visual acuity is a good indicator for referral
  • Review patient history, noting allergies, medical and ocular history
  • Always establish and record symptoms and their onset
  • Refer red eye with vision loss or other signs of concern to an ophthalmologist for evaluation


Schematic diagram of the human eye

Schematic diagram of the human eye image 1


Cross section of the human eye

Schematic diagram of the human eye image 2


Equipment and drugs to keep at hand in your surgery

  • Vision testing chart
  • Good light source with magnifier (and, ideally, blue light source)
  •  Proxymetacaine 0.5% with fluorescein 0.25% drops or fluoret strips and saline drops
  • Chloramphenicol ointment 1%
  • Cotton buds
  • Eye pads
  • Tape
  • Direct ophthalmoscope
  • Patient information leaflets

 

Last updated: 16th November 2017