Overview
This e-learning course has been specifically designed for primary eyecare practitioners, and is written by world-leading experts in ophthalmology, optometry, anatomy, physiology and evidence-based medicine.
There have been significant advances in the diagnosis and management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the past few years. AMD is the most common cause of vision impairment in people over the age of 50 years, affecting almost 200 million people worldwide. Primary health practitioners, such as optometrists, are often the first professionals to detect the signs and symptoms of AMD. As such, it is essential that they are up to date with the latest information on imaging biomarkers, risk prediction and management of people with AMD.
This e-learning course provides an evidence-based update for practicing clinicians, trainees and students. The course will upskill you on the use of new imaging tools, the interpretation of novel clinical biomarkers, and the use of visual assessments in the clinic. It will focus on improving your patient management, including information on how to advise people with AMD on the newest emerging treatments and technologies that could improve their quality of life.
A series of case studies are included to demonstrate the ways in which new research knowledge can be easily and directly translated into clinical care. In addition to the course content, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of world-leading experts in AMD.
Designed For
Suitable for primary eyecare practitioners, particularly optometrists. It may also be of interest to general practitioners, ophthalmic nurses and orthoptists.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn the latest imaging biomarkers for the detection and monitoring of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), specifically using optical coherence tomography.
- Understand the latest theories on the pathogenesis of AMD, and the correlations between clinical signs and symptoms and retinal changes evident on histopathology.
- Use evidence-based guidelines for the assessment and management of AMD.
- Be able to interpret ocular images to determine individual risk profiles and best management strategies and counselling for patients.
- Develop an understanding of current and emerging treatments for early stages of disease, as well as late-stage AMD, including anti-VEGF injections, stem cells and gene therapy.
Course Units
- Tutorial 1: Introduction to AMD
- Tutorial 2: Histopathology and Pathogenesis of AMD
- Tutorial 3: Classification of AMD Using Multimodal Imaging
- Tutorial 4: Functional Assessment in AMD
- Tutorial 5: Non-Neovascular AMD
- Tutorial 6: Neovascular AMD
- Tutorial 7: Differential Diagnoses of AMD
- Tutorial 8: Future Directions and Other Resources
Knowledge and Skills
- Advanced imaging interpretation skills, particularly in optical coherence tomography.
- Improved patient management, through knowledge of biomarkers, risk of progression and “red flags” that require special attention.
- Gain an understanding of the rapid technological changes and clinical trials (current and planned) in the care of AMD, and be able to counsel your patients on emerging treatments.
Assessment
A certificate is issued upon satisfactory completion of the course. The assessment is submission of the 8 unit self-assessment and 10 case studies.
Delivery Mode
Course completion requires approximately 10 hours of eLearning. This course is delivered online and students can study in their own time and location. Course materials can be accessed using a web browser.
Course Leaders
MBBS, PhD, FRANZCO, FAHMS
Professor Guymer is the Deputy Head of Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne, Deputy Director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and a senior retinal specialist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. She is one of the top 10 experts on age-related macular degeneration in the world, leading a large research team and having published over 300 papers in the field. She has been awarded the 2016 NHMRC Elizabeth Blackburn Fellowship (top-ranked female clinical fellowship application in Australia), is an inaugural fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia AM for her services to medicine in 2018.
BOptom, GCOT, PhD, FAAO, FACO
A/Prof Ayton is a Senior Research Fellow in the Departments of Optometry and Vision Sciences, and Surgery (Ophthalmology) at the University of Melbourne. She is the Head of the Vision Optimisation Unit and has an international reputation in the development of patient outcome measures in ophthalmology trials and age-related macular degeneration. A/Prof Ayton holds an NHMRC Next Generation Clinical Researcher Fellowship (2019 – 2021) and is also a University of Melbourne Driving Research Momentum Fellow (2019 – 2024). A/Prof Ayton is passionate about research translation and innovation and is also the Director of SPARK Melbourne (a biotech and pharmaceutical incubator at the University of Melbourne).
Authors
- Prof Erica Fletcher, BOptom, MSc, PhD, GCOT, FAAO
- A/Prof Laura Downie, BOptom, PhD, PGCertOcTher, DipMus(Prac), FAAO
- Dr Carla Abbott, BOptom, PhD, FACO
- Dr Zhichao Wu, BAppSci(Optom), PhD, FACO
Contact Us
E: mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au
T: +61 3 8344 5673