OCT Interpretation Modules
The modules have been designed to meet the needs of those who interpret optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. The teaching is provided by Gloucestershire Retinal Education Group and participants will receive an in-house certificate from the Gloucestershire Retinal Education Group on successful completion.
The modules are distance learning, students are required to access and work through study materials online, and then to continue the application of learning in clinical practice.
Suitable participants will be working within a health institution or for a private provider undertaking optical coherence tomography interpretation.
Students can take as many modules as they wish.
A total of 21 GOC CPD points are available from the full library of OCT Interpretation modules available.
Allocation of CPD and modules titles shown in the Topics Covered section below.
Topics Covered
OCT Interpretation in Diabetic Retinopathy - 3 CPD Points available
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the features of clinical disease and common abnormalities detected from OCT scans in diabetic retinopathy and interpret these to provide and evaluate treatment options
Demonstrate an awareness of different lesions and abnormalities and the reasons for these and recognise how these can be used in interpreting differences in current and previous OCT scans
Operate in situations of varying complexity and demonstrate the ability to understand the patient management pathways that might be followed based on interpretation of the OCT scans in combination with the digital colour images
OCT Interpretation in Glaucoma - 4 CPD Points available
Interpret OCT scans that are used in detecting and monitoring glaucoma, including the three main parameters relevant to the detection of glaucomatous loss
Identify and evaluate the limitations of OCT measurements in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic simple glaucoma, including sources of misinterpretation.
Interpret progression (trend and event analyses) with knowledge of the ‘Floor effect’
Assess circumstances in which there is a correlation of OCT with any visual field abnormalities
OCT Interpretation in AMD, CSR & Choroidal Conditions - 4 CPD Points available
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the features of clinical disease and common abnormalities detected from OCT scans in specific conditions and interpret these to provide and evaluate treatment options
Analyse different ideas and concepts and recognise how these can be used in interpreting differences in current and previous OCT scans and the reasons for these.
OCT Interpretation in Retinal Vascular Disorders & Uveitis - 2.5 CPD Points available
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the features of clinical disease and common abnormalities detected from OCT scans in the specific conditions and interpret these to provide and evaluate treatment options
OCT Interpretation in OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) - 3.5 CPD Points available
Assess and interpret the structural integrity and changes that occur in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses in diabetic retinopathy, artery and vein occlusions and macular telangiectasia.
Interpret OCT-A scans in wet macular degeneration to determine the location of the CNV, its morphology and its response to anti-VEGF therapy.
Assess the potential benefits and limitation of the use of OCTA scans in Glaucoma
Analyse the advantages and limitations of OCTA angiography in comparison to fluorescein angiography and recognise the artefacts produced in both systems
OCT Interpretation in Neuro-Ophthalmology - 2 CPD Points available
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the most useful OCT parameters in the management of neuro-ophthalmology conditions
Analyse how OCT can be used in multiple sclerosis, demyelinating optic neuritis, Alzheimer`s, Parkinson`s disease and pituitary adenoma.
Interpret OCT scans in the differential diagnosis of papilloedema and pseudo-papilloedema comparing alternative methods and techniques for monitoring idiopathic intracranial hypertension
OCT Interpretation in Paediatric and Inherited Conditions - 2 CPD Points available
Assess the indications for performing OCT scans in infants and children and identify the challenges in capturing OCT scans in these patients including:
· Age specific adjustments
· Handheld SD-OCT
· Environment/Communication
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the features of common inherited retinal disorders detected from OCT scans in the specific conditions
Identify and understand the normal variations in infants and young children so they can interpret OCT scans in specific conditions
Entry Requirments
There are no specific entry requirements but students should be employed in a clinical context and have the opportunity to undertake OCT Interpretation.
Course Fees
Each module costs £300, payable in advance.
Students can access the course once course fees have been paid.