Here we summarise three research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.
Retinal gene therapy: medicine of the near future
Jasleen K Jolly MCOptom
This review aims to provide clinicians with a basic understanding of genetics and gene therapy for managing ocular pathology.
Until relatively recently, gene therapy was something seen only in science fiction. Over the past 15 years, considerable progress has been made in the field, culminating in the arrival of a therapy to treat a rare inherited retinal disease, which has been approved by NICE for use as a treatment. Patients will now be seeking guidance about these treatments from their optometrist. This article will help with answering patient queries, managing patients and referring appropriately.
The College, The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and the Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) back the Government’s commitment to put patients in the driving seat and give them more control and choice over their care.
One thing is certain: I wasn’t expecting the events of the last 10 weeks to take place when I wrote my last Optometry in Practice editorial in February this year.