Therapeutics Refresher for Optometrists (TROP)

Therapeutics Refresher for Optometrists (TROP)

Available from: 13/07/2026 (AEST)

Where to publish: https://profession.aco.org.au/therapeutics-refresher-for-optometrists-short-course

Provider: Australian College of Optometry

Contact: Shazia Tahseen, [E] cpd@aco.org.au, [P] 03 9349 7546

Activity Outline

The Therapeutics Refresher for Optometrists short course is an evidence-based program designed to update your ocular therapeutics expertise, focussing on case studies and designed for optometrists returning, upskilling, or bridging knowledge gaps in clinical care.

This course delivers practical, case-based learning that translates directly into everyday patient care. Grounded in current best practice and emerging evidence, the course focusses on real-world clinical decision-making, therapeutic prescribing and collaborative care.

Learning Objectives

• Distinguish common anterior eye infections and inflammatory conditions using key history, risk factors and clinical signs
• Select and justify appropriate first-line management and followup plans for each condition, including when to modify therapy or implement preventative strategies
• Identify sight-threatening features and apply a structured assessment to determine urgency, need for cultures and indications for referral
• Distinguish common eyelid infections and inflammatory lesions by recognising key history features and clinical signs
• Select appropriate first-line management strategies for each condition, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, lid hygiene measures and indications for surgical intervention
• Determine appropriate review schedules and escalation criteria including when to alter therapy, when to expect resolution and when referral is indicated
• Differentiate common allergic eye diseases (SAC, VKC, AKC) from infectious and inflammatory causes using key history and examination findings
• Select appropriate first-line and escalation therapies, including anti-histamines/mast cell stabilisers and short-term cortiosteroids as well as topical calcineurin inhibitors if appropriate for VKC/AKC co-management
• Identify clinical features that require co-management or referral
• Apply the DEWS III diagnostic framework to differentiate dry eye subtypes and contributing factors, using targeted case-based assessment to guide management
• Select management options beyond artificial tears, including anti-inflammatory therapies, lid disease treatments, in-office procedures and behavioural or environmental strategies 
• Plan evidence-based follow-up and escalation pathways informed by DEWS III guidance to monitor response, adjust treatment and manage chronic cases
• Understand the principles of removing corneal and conjunctival foreign bodies, including prescribing appropriate post-removal treatment 
• Manage acute recurrent corneal erosion with appropriate therapeutic options and implement long-term prevention strategies
• Educate patients on symptoms requiring review and prevention strategies
• Recognise the key clinical features of acute anterior uveitis
• Outline an evidence-based management plan, including cycloplegics, corticosteroid regimens, follow-up intervals, and taper strategies
• Identify red flags and risk factors (including systemic associations) that warrant further investigation or urgent referral
• Identify expected postoperative findings and standard therapeutic management following uncomplicated cataract surgery, including typical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drop regimens
• Recognise early and late complications following cataract surgery including uveitis, corneal oedema, cystoid macular oedema, wound leak, steroid-induced IOP rise 
• Formulate safe, evidence-based management plans for both routine and complicated postoperative presentations, incorporating appropriate
• Apply evidence-based criteria for treatment initiation in primary open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, ocular hypertension
• Recognise local and systemic side effects and identify contraindications of topical glaucoma medications to guide safe modification of treatment
•  Implement step-wise escalation of glaucoma treatment, including appropriate use of medication classes and fixed-dose combinations to optimise adherence and minimise preservative exposure
• Differentiate between suboptimal glaucoma treatment and non-adherence using clinical indicators and patient history
  
• Identify conditions which may benefit from the use of oral therapeutics and recognise when they provide advantages over topical treatments
• Apply key prescribing principles when managing patients with oral medications, including appropriate drug selection, dosing, safety considerations and follow up.
• Be familiar with current recommendations for the clinical management of GA 
• Discuss findings from recent landmark GA trials with patients
•  Be able to discern the usefulness of different imaging modalities for GA
• Apply evidence-based therapeutic management to common and sight-threatening ocular conditions using a case-based approach
• Justify clinical decision-making for diagnosis, treatment selection, follow-up, and modification of therapy based on patient response
• Recognise red flags and complications that require escalation of care, co-management, or referral
• Observe a range of primary eye-care conditions and their clinical management
• Analyse diagnostic reasoning, treatment options and therapeutic plans in the clinical setting
• Evaluate treatment outcomes, management adjustments and potential systemic side effects of ocular therapies

Max CPD hours awarded: 20

Session Information