Mini-scleral Lens on Eye, image courtesy of Damon Ezekiel.
A growing interest in mini-scleral lenses has prompted the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) to expand its Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses offering with a new lecture on troubleshooting and fine-tuning mini-scleral lens fits.
According to ACO, these lenses are transforming care for patients with complex corneal conditions such as keratoconus, ocular trauma, and other irregular corneal shapes, offering effective vision restoration and enhanced comfort when glasses or standard contact lenses fall short. And the rising demand for mini-scleral lenses makes it more important than ever for optometrists to be proficient in their fitting and management.
Damon Ezekiel, co-founder of the Euro-Asian Scleral Lens Academy (EASLA) and owner of the respected contact lens specialty practice, Ezekiel Eyes in Perth, Western Australia, is part of the lecture team for the ACO Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses.
His lecture on mini-scleral fitting techniques and patient communication, introduced last year, was met with an overwhelming response. In this second lecture, Mr Ezekiel will focus on troubleshooting common fitting challenges and equipping optometrists with practical strategies to fine-tune mini-scleral lens fits to achieve optimal patient outcomes. He will also explore how advanced techniques, including scleral profilometry and custom software-based designs, can be used to personalise lenses for even the most complex cases.
The course goes beyond theory, incorporating practical, case-based scenarios to enhance clinical decision making
Laura De Angelis, ACO Clinical Education Coordinator, said Mr Ezekial’s lectures will “equip optometrists enrolled in the certificate with a solid foundation in mini-scleral lens prescribing, building both knowledge and confidence”.
“The course goes beyond theory, incorporating practical, case-based scenarios to enhance clinical decision making and empowering clinicians to take their specialty contact lens skills to the next level. The exploration of mini-scleral lenses within the Certificate of Advanced Contact Lenses is a prime example of providing optometrists with the knowledge and confidence to leverage the latest technical knowledge and meet the needs of patients.”
The ACO’s Certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses course offers optometrists a chance to expand their expertise in mini-scleral lens fitting and other advanced techniques, with a strong focus on practical application and patient-centred care.
The six-month course commences on 28 April and offers a flexible remote learning structure. Find out more and register at: aco.org.au/certificate-in-advanced-contact-lenses.
