Dr Twishaa Sheth, a specialist registrar ophthalmologist in the East of England Deanery, has garnered notable achievements in her field. She was recognised with the Marie Comer Ophthalmology Prize at Cambridge University Hospitals and received the prestigious Harcourt Gold Medal in 2023 for achieving the highest mark in the final Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Exit Examinations on her first attempt.
Her passion for teaching Ophthalmology is evident as she strives to make the subject accessible to newcomers. Collaborating with Dr Michelle Attz, a post-Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Dr Sheth has co-authored a guide on detecting eye problems as part of the renowned 'Made Easy' series.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she shares the importance of eye health and the need to make the understanding of ophthalmology easier for the common masses.
What inspired you to co-write "Ophthalmology Made Easy," and what gap in existing resources were you hoping to address with this book?
My co-author Michelle Attz and I were inspired to co-write "Ophthalmology Made Easy" by recognising a gap in ophthalmic medical education. There are so many books that cover the 'nitty gritty' science of ophthalmic medicine superbly in terms of anatomy, physiology and pathology. However, we wanted a practical, go-to, easy-to-read, user-friendly guide that would be useful to those outside the field, or new to the field.
Vision is so incredibly important. Ophthalmology has grown into one of the highest-volume specialties for hospital clinic attendance and cataract eye surgery is one of the most common operations carried out in the UK.
Despite this, we know that many non-Ophthalmic medical practitioners, including GPs, A&E doctors, and medical students, often lack confidence in managing eye problems due to the very specialised nature of ophthalmology - which does not traditionally get as much exposure in medical school compared to other specialities.
This book aims to fill that void by providing essential skills for initial assessment, basic management techniques, and guidance on when to refer to ophthalmology specialists. We hope that it will be helpful for medical students GPs, A&E doctors, Optometrists and budding Ophthalmologists. We also hope those who work in non-medical fields in Ophthalmology: such as receptionists and secretaries, can enjoy the book - feeling more engaged with their work and being able to relate to patients even more.
In your opinion, what are the most common misconceptions or challenges healthcare professionals face when dealing with eye emergencies?
One common challenge non-ophthalmic healthcare professionals face is the misconception that all eye problems require immediate specialist intervention - which we feel stems from underexposure to ophthalmology in undergraduate curricula. In reality, many conditions can be managed effectively in primary care settings with the right knowledge, ensuring the patient is cared for in the appropriate setting - or, if referral to the hospital eye service is required - that this is more streamlined, efficient and appropriate.
Another challenge is identifying red flags that indicate sight- or life-threatening conditions amidst a wide array of less urgent cases. This book aims to help arm the reader with this knowledge to help improve overall patient outcomes.
With the rise of digital devices and prolonged screen time, what advice do you have for individuals to prevent eye strain and protect their vision in today's digital age?
With the increasing prevalence of digital devices and prolonged screen time, preventing eye strain and protecting vision is crucial in today's digital age. Simple measures such as taking regular breaks, adjusting screen brightness and contrast and ensuring proper lighting can help alleviate eye strain. Those who are prone to dry eye can try lubricating eye drops, readily available over the counter. It is important to ensure sight tests with your optician regularly - who can refer you to a hospital eye doctor or surgeon should there be any cause for concern.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in writing "Ophthalmology Made Easy," and how did you overcome them?
Writing "Ophthalmology Made Easy" presented several challenges, including simplifying complex concepts without oversimplifying critical information and ensuring relevance to a diverse audience of healthcare professionals. Overcoming these challenges involved meticulous research, collaborating closely with our publishers, and thorough revision to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Could you provide an overview of the essential skills and knowledge that readers can expect to gain from the book, particularly in terms of managing eye emergencies in various clinical settings?
The book covers essential skills such as performing initial assessments, understanding basic management techniques, and determining when to refer to ophthalmology specialists. It includes a glossary of common ophthalmic terminology and medications, a triage-ready reckoner for symptom sorting, and a systems-based approach to common conditions. Additionally, it offers guidance on interpreting investigations and highlights red flag warnings for critical conditions. With symbols indicating tasks suitable for primary care versus specialist intervention, this book is a valuable resource for medical students, junior doctors, nurses, and other healthcare (and non-healthcare) professionals working with patients with eye problems.
