38: Evidence-based practice – What, where, why?

In optometry, exciting new products or treatments are constantly coming onto the market. As practitioners, we need to keep our knowledge up-to-date, so that we can offer solutions to our patients if they present with an ocular condition. But is the evidence strong enough to make a recommendation or to provide that treatment?  In this episode, Michelle Hanratty taps into the expertise of IP optometrists Paramdeep Bilkhu and Alan Hawrami. As a Clinical Advisor at the College of Optometrists, Paramdeep explains how he interrogates research evidence to produce Clinical Management Guidelines and how to ensure that clinical practice is evidence-based and patient-centred. Meanwhile Alan, as the director of two practices providing community ophthalmology in Kent, discusses what he would consider before investing in a new treatment or instrument and the importance of clear communication when obtaining patient consent. If you have a topic in mind that you’d like us to cover, or if you’ve got an interesting case study you’d like to share, send Docet a message on LinkedIn. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Professionalism and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.