Blink & You'll Miss it! Flashes & Floaters 101
Date: 5/02/2025 (AEST)
Venue: Ground Floor, Boundary Court, 55 Little Edward St, Spring Hill, QLD, 4000
Provider: Queensland Eye & Retina Specialists
Contact: Emi Cheng, [E] emic@qers.com.au, [P] (07) 3555 5960
Activity Outline
This CPD event will feature Dr Sean Cheng, vitreoretinal surgeon, presenting on his approach to assessment of patients with ocular flashes and floaters. As a retinal specialist, he will provide expert insight into the pathophysiology of flashes and floaters, and the appropriate diagnostic testing required to differentiate between normal age-related changes in the vitreous gel and potentially sight threatening conditions. He will also discuss current treatment paradigms for retinal pathologies such as retinal tear and detachment, as well as the role optometrists can play in the perioperative care of patients who undergo retinal procedures. This event will be an interactive session and the delegates will be divided into a group of 4. Dr Cheng will give each group a series of case studies for assessment and develop a management plan.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the common causes of ocular flashes and floaters, including posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, and other underlying conditions
- Understand the physiological mechanisms behind the perception of flashes and floaters in the eye
- Evaluate the clinical presentation of flashes and floaters to distinguish between benign and potentially sight-threatening conditions
- Utilize a systematic approach for evaluating patients presenting with flashes and/or floaters, including history, symptoms and risk factors and determine an appropriate review period
- Recognize warning signs that may indicate the need for urgent referral or further investigation, such as retinal detachment
- Learn how to conduct a comprehensive patient history for individuals presenting with flashes and floaters, including key questions to identify risk factors and progression of symptoms
- Discuss the role of imaging techniques (e.g., OCT, B-scan ultrasound) in evaluating the vitreous and retinal health
- Interpret the results of a dilated fundus exam and imaging studies to assess the potential causes of flashes and floaters
- Understand the treatment and management options for common causes of ocular flashes and floaters, including observation, laser therapy, or surgical interventions when necessary
- Develop a management plan based on the severity of the condition and the risk of complications, including referral pathways for retinal specialists
- Develop effective communication strategies to educate patients about flashes and floaters, addressing their concerns and setting appropriate expectations regarding prognosis and management
- Be aware of perioperative management, including drop regimen, review periods and management of common complications such as CMO and pressure control
Max CPD hours awarded: 2.5
Session Information
| Name |
|---|
| Blink and You'll Miss It! Flashes & Floaters 101 |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| Yes |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 2 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 2.5 |