Inherited Retinal Diseases for Optometrists - Macular Disease Foundation Australia Health Professional Education Program
Available from: 5/12/2025 (AEDT)
Where to publish: OA Institute of Excellence - Launch Course Below
Provider: Macular Disease Foundation Australia - Health Professional Education and Training
Contact: Vicky Heaton , [E] Victoriah@mdfoundation.com.au, [P] +61408402595
Activity Outline
MDFA has developed a new online education course to help optometrists better detect and manage inherited retinal diseases– Australia’s leading cause of irreversible legal blindness in working-age adults.
In Australia, one in every 1,500 children is born with an inherited retinal disease.
Funded by the Commonwealth Government under the National Strategic Action Plan for Macular Disease, this self-paced course includes education on how to best detect and image inherited retinal diseases, key signs and symptoms, managing and reducing modifiable risk, ensuring high-risk individuals are having regular eye examinations, and giving optometrists the necessary information to link patients with diagnosed with inherited retinal diseases with appropriate supports and services.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the current prevalence rates of inherited retinal diseases (IRD) in Australia and worldwide.
- Understand the impact of IRDs on patients and the health system.
- Describe the classification of IRDs and key signs and symptoms.
- Describe key imaging techniques to diagnose an IRD.
- Understand the management and treatment options for common IRDs including research.
- Discuss risk factor identification and modification with patients.
- Recommend patient support services for those living with low vision.
Max CPD hours awarded: 2
Session Information
| Name |
|---|
| Inherited Retinal Disease for Optometrists |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| No |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 2 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 2 |