Latest Posts

Latest Updates in Ophthalmology and and Optometry from OcuPlan

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Drusen and macular degeneration

Around 4 million people in the UK have early signs of age related macular degeneration. The first sign of AMD is drusen. This blog explains what drusen is and why knowing the risk factors and how to protect your sight are so important.

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OcuPlan Patient Story: Roselyn

To mark AMD awareness month, we met with OcuPlan patient Roselyn to talk about living with AMD and how OcuPlan helps her.

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11 cold weather tips for people with glaucoma and AMD

As winter approaches, individuals living with conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may face unique challenges in managing their eye health. In this article, we explore practical strategies to help minimise discomfort and maintain eye health during the colder months.

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Does smoking make AMD worse?

Smoking can be a risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration. This Ocuplan article will explain how it can affect this eye condition.

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What OCT to buy in 2023? And how to ensure you get a return on investment

OCT machines are an important piece of equipment for optometrists, allowing them to identify and diagnose sight threatening conditions early enough to save the patient's vision. In this blog we provide our top 5 machines and explain how you can get a return on your investment.

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Six consultant tips for AMD patients

Living with AMD and the prospect of losing your sight can be very worrying, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to help preserve your vision. We asked an OcuPlan consultant to offer their advice.

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10 Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are a common visual phenomenon that many people experience at some point in their lives. They are often misunderstood and sometimes be a cause for concern. To demystify this common occurrence, here are answers to 10 frequently asked questions about eye floaters.

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Exploring the Interplay Between Glaucoma and Cataracts: A Dual Challenge of Aging Eyes

Glaucoma and cataracts are both conditions that effect us as we grow older, but what are the connections and how can we manage them? This article explains all.

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Nurturing Mental Health: Living with Sight Loss

Many people who live with sight loss will at some point experience issues with their mental health. But, with the right strategies and support, it's possible to maintain good mental well-being. In this article, we will explore various tips and techniques for nurturing your mental health when living with sight loss.

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Caring for Dry Eyes While Safely Wearing Makeup

Dry eyes can be an uncomfortable condition that affects many aspects of daily life, including the way you wear makeup. If you are living with dry eyes, you might worry that makeup will exacerbate your symptoms. This blog walks you through how to comfortable wear and apply makeup when living with dry eyes.

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Summer tips for people living with glaucoma

This article unveils essential summer tips tailored for individuals living with glaucoma, allowing you to embrace the season with confidence.

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What causes visual hallucinations with AMD?

Visual hallucinations in those living with AMD are usually caused by Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Find out more about the condition in this Ocuplan article.

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Tips on reading and writing with glaucoma

When living with glaucoma, daily tasks such as reading and writing can become difficult. However, with the right strategies and adaptations, individuals with glaucoma can continue to enjoy the pleasures of reading and writing. This article explores tips and tools for maintaining a fulfilling reading and writing experience while living with glaucoma.

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OcuPlan and Macular Society partner to prevent unnecessary sight loss

OcuPlan are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with leading sight loss charity, the Macular Society. Read the blog to understand how by collaborating we're helping those with macular disease to prevent sight loss

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Meet your Peers: Phillip Virdi-Smith

Every month, we introduce an eye care professional within the OcuPlan network. We learn about them, and how OcuPlan helps their practice and their patients. This month, we meet with Phillip Virdi-Smith.

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OcuPlan Patient Story: Jane

OcuPlan patient, Jane talks to us about her experience with Glaucoma and how OcuPlan has helped her to receive the peace of mind she needs.

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Shielding Your Vision: Protecting Your Eyes from Low Autumn Sunlight with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Sunny Autumn days can be the most beautiful, but they still pose a risk for those living with AMD. This article provides advice on how to protect your vision to still make the most of the late sunshine.

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Join our free online armchair fitness class

Looking for a gentle way to stay active? Join us for a free online Armchair Fitness class on September 26th at 11am

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Top 7 eye drop tips for glaucoma

Eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma, but many users struggle to use them. This blog offers our 7 top tips for using eye drops.

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Navigating the Digital World: Using Smartphones and Tablets with Sight Loss

In an increasingly digital world, smartphones and tablets have become indispensable tools for communication, information, and entertainment. For individuals with sight loss, these devices can be powerful allies, providing access to a world of possibilities. Read our blog with tips on using phones with sight loss.

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OcuPlan launch a free support service for AMD patients

OcuPlan have launched a free consultant led support service for patients living with Dry age-related macular degeneration.

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Managing Your Glaucoma Appointment: Questions to Ask Your Consultant Ophthalmologist

It is clinically advised that people living with glaucoma see a consultant ophthalmologist at least once a year. To ensure that you make the most of the appointments, come away informed and have all questions answered, we have provided a few essential questions to ask.

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Cooking with Confidence: Tips on Preparing Meals with Sight Loss

Cooking with sight loss is entirely possible with the right strategies and tools. By organising your kitchen, using accessible gadgets, and developing your cooking skills, you can regain confidence in the kitchen. In this article, we'll explore some valuable tips on how to cook with confidence when living with sight loss.

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Questions to Ask Your Optometrist with AMD

When living with AMD, it's likely you'll have lots of questions on risk factors and how to slow the progression. Use your time with the optometrist wisely. Visit them armed with questions to ensure you come away with all the answers you need.

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Navigating transportation with sight loss: Overcoming challenges with confidence

Navigation transport systems can be a challenge for people with sight loss. This article delves into those challenges and provides valuable insights and tips for a smoother and more confident travel experience.

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Stay Active with long term eye conditions: Easy Armchair Fitness Tips

Living with a longterm eye condition can present unique challenges, particularly in maintaining an active lifestyle. However, incorporating light fitness into your daily routine can significantly benefit your overall well-being, including your eye health. Read our blog to learn about arm chair fitness and the benefits.

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OcuPlan and the Macular Society continue their successful partnership into a second year

OcuPlan and the Macular Society continue their successful partnership into a second year

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OcuPlan and Glaucoma UK partner to improve awareness of eye care options for glaucoma patients.

OcuPlan and Glaucoma UK partner to to improve ariareness of care options for people living with glaucoma

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Dining Out with Sight Loss: Navigating Culinary Adventures

Dining out can prove to be a challenge for those living with sight loss. But it shouldn't deter people. This article explores the various aspects of dining out with sight loss and provides tips for both the visually impaired individuals and restaurant staff to ensure a positive culinary adventure for everyone.

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Second drug for dry AMD becomes available in the US

Another new drug to treat late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration has been approved for use in the US. Learn more by clicking the below.

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Supporting loved ones with macular disease

How to provide support to loved ones who are diagnosed with age related macular degeneration.

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Common AMD questions answered - Webinar recording

For National Macular Disease Awareness Week, our founder and consultant ophthalmologist Dan Calladine host a patient webinar focussed on common AMD questions answered.

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The visual field test - how it can save your sight

If you are living with glaucoma or at risk from it, it is likely that you’ll have a visual field test conducted every time you go to your opticians. But do you know how they work and why they’re so important? This article explains how they help to save people’s sight.

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Glaucoma treatments and medication options

there are various glaucoma treatment options available, including prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of these methods, but what is right for you? This article explains all

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Managing dry eye and glaucoma

Dry eye is experienced by around half of people living with glaucoma. Find out about the symptoms and how to manage them in this Ocuplan article

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What do do when diagnosed with AMD

When diagnosed with AMD it can be a worrying time. This blog provides tips, advice and a to-do-list when when diagnosed.

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Is flying with glaucoma safe?

Glaucoma is caused by high eye pressure. This can make flying a worry for those living with the condition. Get the advice you need in this Ocuplan article.

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How is AI impacting eye care?

Artificial intelligence technology is benefiting both eye care patients and professionals. Find out about the advantages it's bringing in this article.

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Everyday changes to make living with AMD better

Many people with AMD worry about losing both their sight and independence. This article will give helpful tips on how to make their everyday life better.

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How lighting can help people with AMD see better

Making small lighting changes can make a real difference to people living with AMD. Find out how in this article.

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How to exercise safely with glaucoma

Having a healthy lifestyle can help to delay the progression of glaucoma’s symptoms, but it's important to choose the right exercises. Find out more in this article.

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Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month: How to protect your vision

Women's eye health and safety month - Women are more likely to develop long term eye conditions than men. We offer advice on how to protect your vision

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Six consultant tips to help slow glaucoma progression

Though glaucoma has no cure, there are steps people can take to help slow down the condition’s progression. Read them in this Ocuplan article.

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OcuPlan Patient Story: Paul

We met with OcuPlan patient and sculptor Paul Burton to discuss living with glaucoma and how OcuPlan helps him

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A helpful guide to driving with glaucoma

Many people living with glaucoma worry about losing their independence and driving license. Find out how to avoid this in an Ocuplan article.

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New dry AMD drug treatment approved in US

As the most prevalent long-term eye disease in the UK, dry AMD currently has no cure. However, there’s new hope for those living with the condition after a new drug treatment is approved in the US.

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Meet Your Peers: Mark Drewett

Every month OcuPlan meets with a member it the network to learn more about how we help them and their patients. This month we met with Mark Drewett from David Arthur Optometrists

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How technology can help people living with AMD

An AMD diagnosis can make people worry about losing their independence. However, technology is here to help. Find out how in this Ocuplan article.

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How Macular Society can help to support AMD patients

OcuPlan's charity partner the Macular Society offer essential help, guidance and assistance for people living with macular disease. This blog details the amazing services they provide

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How early diagnosis can help your AMD patients

This AMD awareness month, make sure your patients get the best care with early diagnosis and advice. Find out how in this article.

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How dark chocolate may benefit your eye health

As part of a balanced diet, dark chocolate contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which scientists believe may support eye health. From reducing symptoms to increasing cardiovascular health and boosting mood, there are a variety of ways dark chocolate is thought to benefit those with long-term eye conditions.

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Malcolm Gray Opticians reach 50 OcuPlan patients

Malcolm Gray opticians have reached the impressive land mark of 50 OcuPlan patients. We met with their store director Steve Wright to discuss how OcuPlan has helped his store and his patients. Watch the interview.

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Providing your patients with choice.

Patients value being provided with choice. OcuPlan helps patients by supplying impartial advice on the eye care that is right for them.

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A Warm Welcome to Robinson Opticians

In January OcuPlan welcomed two more optometrists to our nationwide network of eye care professionals.

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Test yourself for wet age-related macular degeneration at home

If you have AMD, a simple, daily routine that takes less than one minute can help you to monitor your vision.

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The difference between opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists.

What is the difference between optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists?

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Using eye drops for glaucoma

Eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma, but some patients experience difficulty applying them, and not knowing if you've done it correctly can cause worry whether it's been done correctly or not. In this blog we offer step-by-step guidance on applying eye drops.

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An interview with Vicki

We interviewed Vicki Maskell on her role within OcuPlan and what is important to her when it comes to eye care and customer service.

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10 foods to help maintain healthy eyes

What foods help you maintain healthy eyes and aid your vision? We look at 10 foods that help to protect your sight.

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An OCT scan explained

An OCT scan is a vital technology that is used to analyse your eye health at a greater depth

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Talking to your doctor about glaucoma

What questions do you need to ask when your doctor when diagnosed with glaucoma

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Products to help living with glaucoma

Living glaucoma can present new challenges, but there are products available to help you with those every day tasks

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How do you know if your visual field tests are accurate?

Reliability indices help your OcuPlan optometrist and ophthalmologist measure how accurate your VF test results are. Here are the 4 reliability indices that they use.

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What is a visual field test?

In many ways visual field defects are actually more likely to cause an accident than poor vision clarity of vision. Visual field tests measure your peripheral vision and can help monitor for glaucoma stability of progression

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Help reduce the bottleneck

In the UK, 4.5 million people suffer from chronic eye diseases, such as glaucoma, ocular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration.