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To provide the best ophthalmic care to your patients, you must be confident in performing a comprehensive ocular examination and accurately interpreting your clinical findings.
The Small Animal Ophthalmology Online Program is designed to give you a structured and comprehensive diagnostic approach to your patients and up to date treatment and therapeutic options. The specialist authors have ensured the highly practical and image-based program is directly relevant to those applying their knowledge in the clinical setting. Gain the necessary skills and knowledge to feel confident with all your ophthalmology patients.
How does the Online learning program work?
This 100% online CPD program is built around 14 modules. Each includes -introductory and summary videos from the specialist author, nine interactive lessons, two case studies, further reading resources and an online forum to discuss cases with your colleagues and the Module’s ophthalmology specialist. Content covers embryology, anatomy and physiology of the eye, ocular pharmacology and therapeutics and the full spectrum of ocular diseases seen in domestic species.
Learn from the global online CPD specialist team
The online learning platform provides exclusive interactive features so you can enjoy your learning experience and develop a logical problem-solving approach to each case.
* At the end of the program, you may choose to attend three additional practical attendance modules which will cover different diagnostic techniques and ophthalmic surgical procedures. For those completing the Ophthalmology Online Learning Program, these modules are available at an exclusive price. Currently these Modules are run the Improve International Team in the United Kindgom. Please register your interest on attending these modules and see entry requirements on the Optional Practical Attendance Module page.
Confidently investigate, diagnose and
treat your ophthalmic patients
Register your interest to receive Small Animal Ophthalmology Online Learning Program updates.
Date: 1 September 2022
Module Speaker:
Lorraine Fleming BVetMed CertVOphthal MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Perform a confident ocular examination by using diagnostic ophthalmic instruments including focal illumination, the direct ophthalmoscope, indirect ophthalmoscope and slit lamp biomicroscope
Understand the different types of tonometry, including when and how to perform this technique.
Appreciate when and how to perform the more advanced techniques of gonioscopy and electroretinography
Revise diagnostic cytology, microbiology and biopsy sampling and appreciate the applications of the different methods of investigation
Review imaging techniques including ultrasound, radiography, CT and MRI
Describe a systematic approach to the investigation of ophthalmology cases including accurate record keeping and photography
Date: 1 October 2022
Module Speaker:
Lorraine Fleming BVetMed CertVOphthal MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Understand basic ophthalmic embryology and post natal ocular development
Describe comprehensively the anatomy of the eye
Extend your understanding of ocular physiology including the tear film, aqueous production, lens metabolism and retinal physiology
Understand basic ocular immunology
Date: 1 November 2022
Module Speaker:
Claudia Hartley BVSc CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Describe the principles of medicating the eye
Understand topical and systemic drug administration
Explain vehicles and preparations for ophthalmic drug administration
Appreciate classes of drugs
Choose the correct drug for common ophthalmic conditions
Date: 2 January 2023
Module Speaker:
Claudia Hartley BVSc CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Describe the anatomy and clinical conditions involving the orbit, globe, eyelids and nictitans membranes (third eyelids)
Review the presenting signs of and differential diagnoses for congenital and acquired orbital disease
Understand the effect of facial conformation on globe and eyelid position and its associated effects
Appreciate breed predispositions and species differences
Become familiar with the aetiopathogenesis of proptosis and its treatment options
Recognise the different types of entropion and ectropion and their impact on ocular health
Understand the aetiopathogenesis of nictitans membrane disorders
Date: 1 February 2023
Module Speaker:
Claudia Hartley BVSc CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Describe the anatomy of the conjunctiva and understand the aetiopathogenesis of conjunctival disease and its treatment
Perfect your knowledge of the nasolacrimal system and abnormalities that can affect it
Understand secretory and excretory components, normal lacrimation and the components of the pre-corneal tear film.
Appreciate kerato-conjunctivitis sicca
Discuss the problems associated with nasolacrimal drainage
Date: 1 March 2023
Module Speaker:
TBC
Key learning objectives:
Describe normal corneal anatomy
Review normal corneal healing and factors which can affect it
Understand how the cornea responds to insults
Discuss the different causes of corneal ulceration and its treatment
Explain non ulcerative corneal disease
Appreciate the anatomy of the episclera and sclera and understand the pathology which can affect these
Date: 1 April 2023
Module Speaker:
Pedro Malho DipECVO CES OphtVét DVM MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Recognise congenital and acquired defects involving the uveal tract and describe the presenting signs of anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis and the approach to diagnosis and treatment
Approach non neurological abnormalities of the pupil
Understand aqueous opacification
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the normal lens
Explain lenticular disease and the range of congenital and acquired disease that can affect the lens and understand cataractogenesis.
Be familiar with the approach to cataract surgery together with patient selection, aftercare and potential complications
Appreciate primary and secondary lens luxation
Date: 1 May 2023
Module Speaker:
Roser Tetas Pont LV MSc Dip ECVO FHEA MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Describe the production and drainage of aqueous humour and the pathophysiology of the normotensive globe
Define glaucoma and understand the different types of primary and secondary glaucoma and species differences
Appreciate treatment options for glaucoma
Devise a logical approach to the investigation of neuro-ophthalmic problems and understand the relevant neurological pathways and the autonomic nerve supply
Recognise normal and abnormal nystagmus
Investigate and offer treatment options for blindness of central origin
Understand disorders of ocular motility
Date: 1 June 2023
Module Speaker:
Kerry Smith BVetMed CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Understand the normal anatomy of the retina, species differences in retinal vascular patterns and the pathological changes which can occur and their manifestation
Describe the process of chorioretinitis
Recognise both inherited and acquired retinopathies
Appreciate the anatomy of the vitreous, congenital and acquired conditions and different types of vitreal degeneration
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the normal optic nerve, explain congenital and acquired conditions of the optic nerve and understand the investigation of optic nerve disease
Date: 1 July 2023
Module Speakers:
Kerry Smith BVetMed CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Recognise primary and secondary ocular neoplasia and explain its management
Discuss the ocular manifestations of systemic disease including infectious, metabolic, nutritional, toxic immune mediated or vascular aetiologies
Understand the work up for suspected systemic disease
Appreciate treatment options for systemic disease in general practice
Date: 1 September 2023
Module Speaker:
To be confirmed
This is the first day of a two-day practical session, please see module 12 for additional objectives.
The modules must be attended as a pair.
Key Learning Objectives:
Recognise commonly used ophthalmic instruments and understand their use
Use loupes and understand operating microscopes for surgical magnification
Select appropriate suture material and needle designs
Discuss pre and post- operative care of surgical patients and appropriate anaesthetic regimes
Understand the basic surgical principles as they pertain to ophthalmic surgery
Date: 3 October 2023
Module Speaker:
To be confirmed
Key Learning Objectives:
Perform common surgical techniques for treating disease of the orbit, globe, eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva and cornea
Practise reconstructive eyelid surgery
Understand and perform different methods for enucleation
Appreciate the principles of intra ocular surgery
Date: 1 November 2023
Module Speakers:
Emma Scurrell BVSc, DipACVP, MRCVS, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Pathology
Sally Turner VetMB MA DVOphthal MRCVS
Key Learning Objectives:
Appreciate the normal and pathological appearance of histological samples including the significance of abnormalities detected
Understand inherited ocular disease, the principles of genetics and modes of inheritance and pedigree data analysis.
Appreciate different methods of reducing such disease including eye testing schemes and genetic testing
Explain the different conditions which affect different breeds of dog
Clinically recognise congenital inherited conditions encountered such as collie eye anomaly, congenital cataract, retinal dysplasia, goniodysgenesis and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous
Clinically recognise non-congenital inherited conditions such as hereditary cataract, primary lens luxation, generalised progressive retinal atrophy and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy
Develop a problem-solving approach to ophthalmic cases
Date: 1 December 2023
Module Speaker:
To be confirmed
Key Learning Objectives:
Full Payment Upfront (Total payable AU $11, 590 inc of GST & included ISVPS registration fees)
Or contact Improve directly for alternative payment options.
All prices are inclusive of compulsory 10% GST
Payment Plan through VetEdPay* (AU $11,590 + $195 administration fee)
All prices are inclusive of compulsory 10% GST
*Please note: By selecting this option for payment you are connecting with VetEdPay, an external finance provider.
Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.
Please find the terms and conditions here.
You must be a graduated Veterinary Surgeon with a minimum of 1 year clinical experience.
Please check with Improve if you are uncertain regarding your suitability.
It is each delegate’s responsibility to ensure you meet the program entry criteria.
Yes. You are able to enrol in the Ophthalmology Online Learning program no matter where you are located in the world. We can accept delegates across Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific region and can otherwise directly refer you to Improve International in your host region. Please contact us directly on: info.au@improveinternational.com with any questions
Additionally, all content is pre-recorded so can be viewed at any time of day (i.e. time zone differences will not impact your access to content). However, you may need to allow extra time for tutor responses (as tutors are not based in Australia). If you intend to sit the GPCert qualification through ISVPS, this is online. Please contact the ISVPS directly for further information (australia@isvps.org).
You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week, working through the content.
Some delegates will spend significantly more if engaging regularly on the platform and getting involved in discussions with our specialists.
Preparation of assessments and revising for the final exam is additional depending on your route.
Online modules cannot be deferred without losing the real-time interactive engagement with the Module Specialist Tutor
All resources for each Module remain available for review and engagement if you miss the ‘live’ Module.
The program must be completed within 6 months of the final module. GPCert candidates then have up to four years to satisfy ISVPS assessment requirements and obtain the GPCert.
Yes, all the requirements for the ISVPS are online
Full details of the ISVPS processes are made available after you have registered with the ISVPS. You will be given a login to the Candidates Area after registration. ISVPS also have individual contact points for each country. australia@isvps.org is the Australian contact address and any questions can be sent to this address for follow-up.
For up-to-date exam dates please visit www.isvps.org or email australia@isvps.org for any specific queries