Learning Objectives:

• Understand the equipment needed to assess and manage eye conditions in general practice
• Be able to assess whether you have access to appropriate equipment and drugs to carry out a basic ophthalmic examination in your general practice
• Be able to take a directed ophthalmic history
• Be able to take a history of general medical conditions that may cause or be related to ophthalmic conditions
• Be able to identify common symptoms associated with eye disease
• Refresh your knowledge on the anatomy of the eye and related neural pathways
• Understand the epidemiology of eye disease

Expert presenter: Dr Russell Bach
Russell Bach is a University of Queensland graduate, specialist ophthalmologist who is in private practice at Greenslopes Private Hospital. He is a visiting medical officer at Princess Alexandra Hospital and has been a keen teacher of trainee registrars and general practitioners for over 20 years. He is a political advocate of professional standards, is committed to evidence based medicine and is the immediate past chair of the state branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. He has previously run the general practice upskilling programme and enjoys developing practical skills in his fellow practitioners particularly in workshop situations.

References:
[1] Tally NJ, O’Connor S. Clinical examination: a systematic guide to physical diagnosis. 4th ed. Sydney: Maclennan & Petty; 2004.
[2] Centre for vision research. Blue Mountains Eye Study. Viewed on 28/12/2006, at: http://www.cvr.org.au/bmes.htm