EyeConnect

Episode 8: Ophthalmology Fellowship series – Revelle Littlewood – Neuro-ophthalmology fellowship in the UK

In this episode of EyeConnect, host Johnson Neo, a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery, speaks with Revelle Littlewood, a consultant ophthalmologist based in Manchester specialising in neuro-ophthalmology and adult strabismus. They discuss Revelle Littlewood’s training pathway, with a particular focus on her fellowship journey.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Insights into choosing the neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus subspecialty and the thought process for the decision to move to Manchester for fellowship after training in South Yorkshire.
The challenges faced during fellowship, including feeling "out of depth" initially and managing independent clinics. This period is highlighted as a crucial transition from registrar to consultant, where fellows are given more independence.
Key criteria for selecting a suitable neuro-ophthalmology fellowship, emphasising finding one that offers training in the desired subspecialties and provides networking opportunities.
Addressing common concerns about the subspecialty, such as the ability to continue performing cataract surgery and the potential for private practice.
The critical importance of early planning for fellowships, ideally starting in ST1 or using admin time to explore interests, and gearing your CV towards your chosen subspecialty by ST5/6 to be competitive.
Emphasis on developing theoretical knowledge and clinic skills in strabismus, noting that the surgery itself is often less challenging than the planning. Building a good relationship with and learning from orthoptists is considered crucial for understanding strabismus assessments.

Episode 7: Ophthalmology Fellowship series – Laura Maubon – Balancing teaching, fellowships and family life

In this episode of EyeConnect, host Johnson Neo, a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery, speaks with Laura Maubon, a locum consultant ophthalmologist in London specialising in cataract, cornea, and ocular surface diseases. Laura is also an active member of various committees, including the ESCRS program committee young ophthalmologist program and the diversity and inclusion working group, and previously led the UK ICRS young ophthalmologist committee. They discuss Laura's training pathway, focusing on her clinical teaching fellowship and balancing her career with family life.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Insights into pursuing a clinical teaching fellowship after completing specialist training (CCT), noting that it worked well for Laura when returning from maternity leave as it offered a degree of flexibility, including no on-calls, compared to standard training roles. However, the financial reality of fellowships is often a major downside due to potentially lower pay.
The essential "preparation" for a teaching fellowship is having a passion and genuine interest in teaching others, and while typically done after training, it's not just for junior doctors; senior ophthalmologists also undertake them.
The significant challenges of raising a young family during training, including the physical and mental toll, the need for a supportive partner, and the reality that work and young children are difficult to combine without push, pull, and sacrifice.
The importance of being flexible and adaptable in one's career path, making decisions that are right for oneself and family, even if they appear unconventional.
Practical strategies for returning to work after a break (like maternity leave), including simulation, contacting colleagues beforehand, staggering re-entry into clinical/surgical work, staying in touch with the community, and crucially, prioritizing sleep, potentially by investing in professional help.
The realities of being active in professional societies (extracurricular activities), which require significant time, energy, and financial cost, can strain relationships, but offer rewards in learning, skill development, and community.
Listen now to gain valuable insights into balancing diverse career interests, formalising educational roles, and navigating the personal and professional complexities of training and returning to work while raising a family. Laura welcomes contact from listeners on LinkedIn.

Episode 6: Ophthalmology Fellowship series – Christine Goodchild – Vitreo- Retina fellowship in the UK

This episode of EyeConnect features a conversation between host Johnson Neo, a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery, and Christine Goodchild, a consultant ophthalmologist based in Dublin specialising in medical retina, uveitis, and cataracts. They discuss Christine's extensive training pathway, particularly focusing on her fellowship journey.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Insights into the ophthalmology training pathway, including how Christine moved from completing medical school in Ireland, through basic and higher surgical training, undertaking multiple fellowships both within Ireland (Uveitis, Cornea) and internationally (Medical Retina and Uveitis in Bristol).
The motivation behind pursuing an international fellowship stemmed from the need for exposure to diverse diseases (especially rarer ones like uveitis) and different healthcare systems, a move heavily encouraged by her college in Ireland.
The importance of early planning for fellowship applications, typically a whole year ahead, and the value of networking to find opportunities and contacts.
The significant personal challenges of undertaking a fellowship abroad, such as Christine's decision to commute weekly from Dublin to Bristol to be with her young family, highlighting the need to balance clinical goals with personal circumstances.
Strategies for being creative and resourceful during a non-surgical fellowship to gain broader experience, such as sacrificing administrative time for cataract lists or glaucoma clinics, and actively pursuing research projects leading to publications and taking on leadership roles like lead fellow.
The realities of the job market in Ireland, describing finding a permanent consultant post as "extremely tough" and "highly competitive," even for those trained domestically, and discussing the complexities and varying structures of private practice, noting that specialties like uveitis are difficult to manage privately due to investigation costs.

Episode 5: Ophthalmology Fellowship series – Nizar Din – Corneal Fellowship in Canada

Are you an ophthalmologist trainee considering the path of an international fellowship? Navigate the profound personal and professional journey of pursuing training abroad, including facing unexpected challenges like a global pandemic.
In this episode of EyeConnect, a podcast series featuring conversations between healthcare professionals to support learning, host Mr. Johnson Neo speaks with Nizar Din, a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea and external eye disease at the Imperial Eye Hospital in London. Nisar shares his extensive training experience, focusing on his decision to pursue an international fellowship in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Insights into the ophthalmology training pathway and the motivation behind seeking overseas fellowship opportunities
How early preparation is crucial for applying to competitive international fellowship programmes
The significant logistical hurdles involved, such as obtaining visas and university registration, especially when complicated by lockdown restrictions and virtual processes
The intense personal challenges faced when moving to a new country during a pandemic, including mandatory quarantine, finding unfurnished accommodation, isolation, and the absence of a familiar support network
Strategies for making the most of such an experience by actively developing skills beyond clinical work, including teaching, academic pursuits, management, and leadership, leading to achievements like publications and taking on roles such as chief fellow
The financial realities of international fellowships, which can be a significant burden due to potentially low salaries and high living costs, highlighting the importance of preemptive financial planning, seeking scholarships, or taking loans
Practical aspects of reintegrating into the UK ophthalmology community after being overseas, including maintaining visibility and staying in contact with colleagues
Listen now to gain valuable insights into the complexities and unexpected rewards of undertaking an overseas ophthalmology fellowship.
 

Episode 4: Optometry Focus - Time to Sparkle with Alison Ng

Are you finding it challenging to discuss cosmetic use with your dry eye or contact lens patients without causing upset? In the fourth episode of Scope Connect, "Time to Sparkle," Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Dr Alison Ng, an Independent Optometric Consultant and clinical scientist formerly at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education, about the potential impact of cosmetics on eye health and practical strategies for promoting ocular surface well-being. Discover how to guide your patients toward eye-friendly choices that help them manage their ocular surface health while still enjoying their favourite cosmetic routines.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What constitutes opto-cosmetics, including colour cosmetics and personal care products.
Specific ingredients and formulations known to pose risks to the ocular surface, such as glitter, retinoids, and prostaglandin analogues found in lash growth serums, and their potential effects like impacts on meibomian glands or irritation and hyperpigmentation.
A valuable resource – the TFOS Lifestyle series cosmetics report, specifically Table 10 – that lists key ingredients practitioners should be aware of.
Recognisable signs of ocular reactions to cosmetics, including foreign bodies from glitter or the appearance of eyeliner floating in the tear film.
Effective approaches to educate patients, using tools like anterior eye imaging to show them the impact of cosmetic use and removal habits.
How to provide practical advice on removing makeup, including specific techniques for different product types (like biphasic cleansers for waterproof formulations).
A useful clinical pearl for makeup removal: washing the face first with a gentle cleanser to rehydrate cosmetics before using an eye makeup remover.
The importance of advocating for good cosmetic hygiene, such as regular product replacement, cleaning application tools, washing hands, and the crucial rule of not sharing cosmetics.
Insights into concerning trends like DIY eye cosmetic recipes and how to address patient misconceptions.
Gain valuable insights to support your dry eye and contact lens patients in making informed choices about their cosmetic use, enhancing their ocular surface health without dimming their sparkle. Listen to "Time to Sparkle" now and discover how to confidently integrate cosmetic guidance into your patient care.

Episode 3: Optometry Focus - Nutritional Boost with Iain Johnson

Are you wondering how nutrition fits into dry eye management? In the third episode of EyeConnect, "Nutritional Boost," Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Iain Johnson, an optometrist who specialises in advanced contact lens fitting and dry eye management, about integrating nutritional guidance and supplements into dry eye care strategies. Discover the value of nutritional education for your dry eye patients and learn how diet and supplementation can support ocular surface health.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How inflammation and oxidative stress, influenced by diet (particularly the typical Western diet), play a significant role in dry eye.
Why omega-3 fatty acids, and maintaining the balance with omega-6, are key nutrients to emphasise for dry eye patients.
Specific guidance on omega-3 supplementation, including aiming for over 1000mg total of EPA and DHA.
Crucial factors to consider when advising on or stocking supplements, such as the quality and form (like the triglyceride or re-esterified triglyceride forms, avoiding ethyl esters) for better absorption, and the value of third-party testing.
Practical advice for patients who prefer not to take supplementation, including increasing oily fish intake (e.g., 2 portions a week) and reducing consumption of processed foods high in pro-inflammatory omega-6.
The potential benefits of a broader healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, for overall eye health and potentially dry eye, including the concept of using a Mediterranean diet scoring system (Medi score).
Insights into emerging research linking the gut microbiome to dry eye.
Gain valuable knowledge to provide a nutritional boost to your dry eye management strategies and help your patients improve their ocular surface health.

Episode 2: Optometry Focus - Home or Away with Sarah Farrant

Do your patient's surroundings impact their dry eye symptoms? In the second episode of EyeConnect Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Sarah Farrant, an Optometrist, practice owner, BCLA President, and TFOS ambassador for the UK, about how practitioners can help patients manage dry eye symptoms that are influenced by their surroundings, from the workspace to seasonal allergies.
Discover practical advice to help your patients understand and mitigate the environmental factors affecting their dry eyes.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The significance of taking a thorough patient history to understand a patient’s lifestyle and potential triggers, including hobbies and typical daily activities.
How to assess the impact of digital device use by understanding if screen time is a solid chunk or deliberately broken up with regular screen breaks.
The importance of explaining the effect of reduced blinking while using screens and empowering patients to take ownership of their condition.
Why dedicated dry eye appointments are essential for spending adequate time listening to patients, gathering data, and explaining management strategies.
Tips for recognising subtle signs that environmental factors are at play, such as inferior staining, while avoiding over-categorisation.
Strategies for optimising workspaces, including advice on temperature, humidity, and airborne pollutants.
Ways to support patients with seasonal allergies, such as washing hair and bedding regularly, and understanding when to recommend cold or hot compresses.
Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can transform your approach to dry eye management by considering the impact of your patient's environment. Listen to "Home or Away" now and discover how to better support your patients in achieving lasting relief.

Episode 1: Optometry Focus - Home Therapies with Stephanie Doherty

Are your dry eye patients struggling with their at-home treatments? In the first episode of Scope Connect, "Home Therapies," Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Stephanie Doherty, an Optometrist with a keen interest in healthcare tech, about improving patient compliance with artificial tears, heat masks, and lid cleaning.
Discover practical strategies to help your patients overcome the challenges of integrating these essential routines into their daily lives.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to identify non-compliance early by asking specific questions about your patient’s home treatment schedule and having them demonstrate their techniques.
The importance of educating patients about the anatomy of the eye and the purpose of each treatment.
Tips for simplifying treatment regimes and personalising plans to suit individual patient needs and lifestyles.
Ways to manage patient expectations and instil confidence in their ability to manage their condition.
The value of setting short-term goals and celebrating small wins to encourage long-term adherence.
Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can transform your approach to dry eye management and improve your patients' quality of life. Listen to "Home Therapies" now and discover how to better support your patients in achieving lasting relief.