E-course: Age-Related Macular Degeneration for Primary Eyecare Practitioners

E-course: Age-Related Macular Degeneration for Primary Eyecare Practitioners

Learning Objectives

• - Reflect on your current AMD practice • Understand the current Beckman Initiative for Macular Research AMD classification scheme • Know the latest epidemiological data on AMD prevalence and expected progression rates • Understand the socioeconomic impacts of AMD • Understand the risk factors for AMD
• • Understand the biochemical characteristics of AMD biomarkers, such as drusen • Understand the hypothesised mechanisms leading to the development and progression of AMD • Be able to interpret histopathological images of AMD • Be able to correlate ocular imaging (such as optical coherence tomography images) with histopathology • Understand how current neovascular AMD management strategies relate to the histopathology and pathogenesis of AMD
• • Be able to correctly classify AMD based on colour fundus photos (Beckman classification scheme) • Be able to identify AMD biomarkers on optical coherence tomography (OCT) • Be able to identify AMD biomarkers on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) • Be able to identify AMD biomarkers on near-infrared imaging (NIR) • Demonstrate a clear understanding of how these imaging biomarkers should guide patient management
• • Understand the reasons for and methods of various visual acuity measures in AMD • Understand the reasons for and methods of Amsler grid testing • Understand the reasons for and methods of macular perimetry in AMD • Understand the reasons for and methods of dark adaptation testing in AMD • Understand the reasons for AMD vision self-monitoring, the challenges faced and the technologies emerging to tackle these issues
• • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the phenotypic appearance of early and intermediate AMD • Understand the appropriate management strategies for early and intermediate AMD, including laser therapies and nutritional supplements • Understand the OCT-defined stages of atrophy development in AMD, including iRORA, cRORA and nGA • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the phenotypic appearance of geographic atrophy • Be able to discuss emerging treatments for geographic atrophy
• • Review contemporary evidence on the signs, symptoms and clinical appearance of neovascular AMD • Have a clear understanding of the optometric management and RANZCO referral pathway for neovascular AMD • Understand current and emerging therapeutics for the treatment of neovascular AMD • Be able to explain to a patient what they may experience when being treated with anti-VEGF injections • Gain awareness of the complexities in nAMD treatment
• • Understand diseases that are often misdiagnosed as early or intermediate AMD • Understand rarer diseases, that present with phenotypes similar to drusen • Understand other diseases that can mimic geographic atrophy (GA) • Understand other diseases that can mimic neovascular AMD (nAMD) • Understand the differential diagnoses of apparent subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT), when it is not due to not nAMD.
• • Develop an understanding of how stem cell therapy may be beneficial to patients with AMD • Develop an understanding of how gene therapy may be beneficial to patients with AMD • Develop an understanding of how vision prostheses (“bionic eyes”) may be beneficial to patients with AMD • Understand the varying low vision assistive technologies available, including sensory substitution and augmented reality headsets • Know where to refer patients for additional support,
• Complete ten case studies on the diagnosis and management of AMD, including discussion on the complexities in medical decision making and demonstration of an understanding of new imaging biomarkers and disease management strategies.

Max points awarded: 20.00

Session Information