NHS Highland Orthoptic Team had the pleasure of hosting the profession’s annual autumn clinical meeting in The Treehouse venue in Inverness. Delegates from departments around Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian University travelled to the Highlands for networking and case presentations from the Orthoptic Team, Consultant Ophthalmologists and Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). The range of topics covered by Orthoptists included:

• Advancing Practice for Orthoptists in Neuro-ophthalmology
• Audit of visually impaired children in Highland followed by a case presentation of Batten’s Disease
• Miller Fisher Syndrome
• A rare and interesting case of Ataxic Telangiectasia Syndrome
• Dissertation findings comparing Thyroid Eye Disease drugs and effect of new drug Teprotumumab

The Orthoptists related their clinical practice/audit and research to the four pillars of practice which was great to see.

Guest speakers from Neuro-ophthalmology, Paediatric Ophthalmology and RNIB presented on:

• Interpretation of OCT images
• Smartphone induced squint
• Opioid exposure and the visual impact in neonates
• AI innovation for the Blind

The day was a great success with lots of praise for the team and positive feedback.

“I really enjoyed it and thought the content was well balanced and gave us things to think about in our own practice. The case presentations were great for highlighting the diversity in roles and learning within your team.”

“We all really enjoyed the day. A good variety of topics with excellent speakers. Thanks for doing such a great job organising.”

“It was a long day but definitely worth the effort – really good range of speakers and lots of thoughtful ideas”

This face-to-face opportunity showcased the enthusiasm within the Orthoptic Profession and demonstrated what we do well and where we can expand and develop to add value to ophthalmology pathways.

Thanks to Scope Eye Care for sponsorship of the event and Raigmore Catering Team for providing a lovely lunch.