Conversational AI: Revolutionising the Patient Pathway | Eye Views Podcast

Consultant Ophthalmologist Nishani Amerasinghe joins host Lorcan Butler on the Eye Views podcast to discuss her passion for glaucoma. She explains how the specialty’s inquisitive community and numerous unanswered questions initially drew her in. With rapid advancements in surgical technologies, she highlights why glaucoma has become such a fantastic and boundary-pushing field for specialists today. Amerasinghe also highlights why now is the most exciting time for specialists and trainees to enter the field, including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) and the 'explosion' of angle surgery and new implants that has revolutionised surgical intervention; advanced laser treatments, such as how the shift from conventional Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) is helping clinics manage backlogs more efficiently; AI is also increasingly utilised for diagnosis and monitoring, marking the next major milestone in glaucoma management; and pharmaceutical innovation, with the arrival of Rocklatan and how the field saw its first new drop in 25 years, alongside developing novel drug delivery systems that reduce reliance on patient compliance.A central theme of the discussion is the lifelong relationship between a glaucoma specialist and their patient. Amerasinghe speaks to how many patients associate a glaucoma diagnosis with immediate blindness; the specialist's role is to show them they can live well, drive, and maintain hobbies. Utilising organisations like Glaucoma UK for patient information and 'buddy systems' helps patients navigate the lifestyle nuances of the disease.As a past president of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS), Amerasinghe encourages trainees to reach out to the "inquisitive" and "approachable" glaucoma community. She notes that social media—specifically LinkedIn and Instagram—has made mentorship more accessible than ever before.Eye News is the longest-running print and digital magazine dedicated to ophthalmology in the UK, with an international and domestic readership of healthcare professionals, both within the NHS and private healthcare practices. Season 2 of Eye Views is proudly sponsored by Mainline Instruments. Visit their website here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rc4Th0 To reach their team, email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Eye Views podcast, host Lorcan Butler engages in a deep-dive conversation with Brendan Cummings, a consultant ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon. Based in Dublin at the Wellington Eye Clinic and a central hospital, Cummings brings a unique perspective on the convergence of traditional cataract surgery and modern refractive techniques.The discussion centers on the philosophy that cataract surgery is a refractive procedure. Cummings explains that achieving optimal outcomes requires a highly personalized approach, often involving a two-and-a-half-hour evaluation to align surgical options with a patient’s lifestyle, visual needs, and priorities. He introduces the critical concept of "compromise" in lens selection, noting that while broader ranges of vision offer greater spectacle independence, they often involve a trade-off in visual quality.A major theme of the episode is ocular surface optimization. Cummings emphasizes that no surgery should proceed without a healthy ocular surface, as suboptimal tears can lead to post-operative dissatisfaction and dry eye symptoms. He details the clinic's diagnostic and treatment strategies, including diagnostics (measuring tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear breakup time, and tear film osmolarity) and treatments (managing blepharitis, utilizing IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, and performing meibomian gland expression or probing).The conversation also highlights the vital role of community optometrists in the "health ecosystem". Cummings advocates for strong referral pathways, noting that community optometrists are often best positioned to manage pre-surgical ocular surface health and provide long-term patient education.Eye News is the longest-running print and digital magazine dedicated to ophthalmology in the UK, with an international and domestic readership of healthcare professionals, both within the NHS and private healthcare practices. Season 2 of Eye Views is proudly sponsored by Mainline Instruments. Visit their website here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rc4Th0 To reach their team, email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Eye Views podcast, presented by Eye News Magazine, host Lorcan Butler sits down with Gok Ratnarajan, a prominent Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Glaucoma at Queen Victoria Hospital. Together, they explore the often-overlooked but vital "soft skill" of communication in ophthalmology. Ratnarajan shares deep insights into how effective communication serves as the cornerstone of patient care, especially when managing chronic conditions like glaucoma. He discusses his personal journey from medical school at UCL to becoming a specialist, noting that while technical skills are taught rigorously, the nuances of the "real world" and breaking life-changing news are often learned through experience. Eye News is the longest-running print and digital magazine dedicated to ophthalmology in the UK, with an international and domestic readership of healthcare professionals, both within the NHS and private healthcare practices. Season 2 of Eye Views is proudly sponsored by Mainline Instruments. Visit their website here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rc4Th0 To reach their team, email: [email protected]

This episode of the Eye Views podcast from Eye News Magazine features a deep dive into the evolving world of ophthalmic surgery and its direct impact on patient quality of life. Host Lorcan Butler sits down with Professor Dan Lindfield, a renowned Consultant Ophthalmologist from Guildford and Professor at City University of London, to discuss the intersection of glaucoma management and premium lens technology. As the boundaries between cataract refractive surgery and glaucoma treatment continue to blur, Professor Lindfield explores how technological shifts are moving clinicians beyond traditional monofocal lenses. The discussion focuses on the rise of Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) and enhanced monofocal lenses, which offer patients significant improvements in intermediate vision and reduced spectacle dependence without the light-splitting drawbacks of older multifocal designs. Eye News is the longest-running print and digital magazine dedicated to ophthalmology in the UK, with an international and domestic readership of healthcare professionals, both within the NHS and private healthcare practices. Season 2 of Eye Views is proudly sponsored by Mainline Instruments. Visit their website here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rc4Th0 To reach their team, email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Eye Views podcast, our host Lorcan Butler speaks with Masara Laginaf, a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. In this deep dive into anterior segment care, they explore the transition to private practice, the latest in femtosecond laser technology, and the management of presbyopia and ocular surface disease. From LASIK and lenticule extraction to implantable contact lenses (ICL) and refractive lens exchange (RLE), this episode covers the essential surgical and diagnostic tools for modern eyecare professionals. Dr Laginaf shares her "fortuitous" journey into the refractive space, highlighting the critical role of mentorship and high-volume surgical training. She details her experience in the Kent, Surrey, and Sussex Deanery and fellowships at Frimley Park and Luton and Dunstable, where she gained exposure to complex corneal transplants and refractive procedures. For trainees (ST3–ST7), she recommends leveraging resources like the Royal College of Ophthalmologists e-learning, ESCRS and ISRS modules. A turning point in Dr Laginaf’s career was undergoing LASIK surgery herself in 2020 at OCL Vision. She discusses how being on the other side of the laser enhanced her ability to counsel patients on the sensations of surgery, such as the pressure of the suction ring, and the immediate visual recovery. This personal perspective allows her to relate deeply to patient fears regarding optical appliances and the life-changing impact of vision correction. The conversation shifts to the rapidly evolving tech landscape, including lenticule extraction, comparing SMILE with newer platforms like the Schwind ATOS (SmartSight), which Dr. Laginaf notes can lead to fewer dry eye symptoms. Premium IOLs are discussed and Dr Laginaf's early adoption of the Rayner Galaxy spiral-optic lens. Dr Laginaf also covers presbyopia management and navigating the "longest conversation" in clinic by balancing monovision, blended vision, and emerging technologies like scleral laser micro-perforation or EDOF ICLs. Dr Laginaf emphasises that every refractive surgeon must also be a dry eye specialist. She outlines her strict preoperative protocols to optimise the tear film, including zest (okra-based) lid cleaning and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy to treat blepharitis and MGD. The importance of repeat biometry and K-readings when the ocular surface is unstable to ensure refractive accuracy. With the rise of 'Zoom gloom' and heavy digital device use, patient demands for intermediate and near vision have never been higher. The episode concludes with a discussion on managing expectations around night driving and the 'governmental inquiry' into levels of glare from modern car headlights, reassuring patients that neuroadaptation typically improves these symptoms over 6–12 months.Eye News is the longest-running print and digital magazine dedicated to ophthalmology in the UK, with an international and domestic readership of healthcare professionals, both within the NHS and private healthcare practices. Season 2 of Eye Views is proudly sponsored by Mainline Instruments. Visit their website here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0rc4Th0 To reach their team, email: [email protected]