The New Zealand Laser Training Institute is offering a new online training course focused on optometrists and others interested in treating dry eye.

Optometrists and other health professionals can purchase an intense pulsed light (IPL) device with little or no formal training, then resort to reading the device’s manual or watching YouTube videos, said Ruth Nicholson, NZ Laser Training course director and founder. “Education is vital, not only to clearly establish the benefits and differences in the traits and properties of the light source, but also in the correct and safe use of the device within scope of practice, and to Australian and New Zealand laser safety standards.”

The new online programme references the ANZ Safety Standard and recognised industry best practice, and covers specific IPL use by optometry and ophthalmology for the treatment of dry eye disease, she said.

CPD approved

The programme is also fully accredited by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board, offering 1.2 clinical diagnostic credits and 0.8 general credits for optometrists on completion.

Course content is applicable to all types of lasers and IPL devices and covers:

• Part 1 - methodology of dry eye with IPL, IPL for cosmetic procedures, targets for dry eye (meibomian glands), use of light treatments, IPL hand pieces and filters (overview), wavelength/spectral shift of filters used and understanding of pulse trains
• Part 2 - patient eye protection, safety around the eye, temporary side effects, safety eyewear selection, laser safety protocols and treatment protocol
• Part 3 – familiarity with devices, classification of device used, system walk-through, engineering controls, cooling, treatment steps, post-care steps, client care, Fitzpatrick skin typing, risk factors for patients (tanning etc.)

The programme course content is available 24/7 online over a six-month period and students can access tutors via email or phone.