Thyroid Eye Services Directory

BOPSS has been working closely with TEAMeD to implement TEAMeD-5. The aim is to increase awareness among clinicians and patients of the importance of prevention, diagnosis and prompt referral of patients with Thyroid Eye Disease. A directory has been created to give information about thyroid eye services in different regions of the UK. This information is intended to assist healthcare professionals making referrals for their patients with this condition. BOPSS does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy [...]

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Research Opportunity in Auckland

Clinician/researcher to join our team in Auckland for a PhD programme based around thyroid eye disease research. Role: We are inviting expressions of interest for a Thyroid Eye Disease MD/PhD project based at the Eye clinic, Auckland District Health Board and Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, New Zealand National Eye Centre. An ideal candidate would have at least two years of medical and/or ophthalmology research experience and evidence of basic research aptitude e.g. scientific publication(s) in the international peer-reviewed [...]

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Save the date – BOPSS Virtual AGM

Save the date BOPSS Virtual AGM 19:00 Thursday 25th June 2020 In light of current circumstances and the cancellation of our meeting in Oxford this year, we have decided to conduct our Annual General Meeting remotely via the Zoom app. The agenda for the AGM, minutes of last year’s meeting and BOPSS Code of conduct exec summary can all be found at:

BOPSS 2020 AGM

(you need to be logged in to view this) Questions can be submitted online up to 2 weeks prior to the event

AGM questions

Themes will [...]

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Electrocautery as an Aerosol generating Procedure

Whilst electrocautery is not listed in the widely published lists of AGP, in some experimental models electrocautery has been demonstrated to generate aerosols. In view of this Members should consider employing some form of smoke extraction and wear PPE appropriate for AGP when using electrocautery.   Useful supporting links and documents: Clinical evidence-based review and recommendations of aerosol generating medical procedures in otolaryngology –head and neck surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic Andrew Thamboo1, Jane Lea, Doron D. Sommer, Leigh Sowerby, Arman Abdalkhani, Christopher [...]

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With great sadness, we announce the passing of our colleague Tony Tyers

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we must let you know of the passing of our colleague Tony Tyers. As many of you will know, Tony bore a progressive illness over the past few years with characteristic strength, resilience, and commitment both to his family and his work. He was a great teacher, a towering authority in ophthalmology, and a true friend to us all. Amongst his many contributions, Tony will be remembered for his [...]

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Update Guidance on Infection Risk and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Oculoplastic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This document is advisory and individual clinicians must assess each case in light of local policy and equipment availability. Only urgent oculoplastic procedures which cannot be delayed should be performed during the current crisis. PPE Recommendations for Oculoplastics Surgery In line with PHE’s advice the following PPE is appropriate in any oculoplastic procedure; Fluid repellent surgical gown Disposable gloves Eye protection and face shield Fluid resistant face mask i.e. a surgical mask (Type IIr)   PPE for High Risk, Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP) For procedures which [...]

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TED Immunosuppression advice during Covid-19

TED Immunosuppression advice during Covid-19 Every TED patient needs to be managed on a case by case basis. These recommendations are not prescriptive but based on collective multidisciplinary experience. Intravenous methyl prednisolone therapy is generally not recommended for treating moderate to severe thyroid eye disease during the COVID19 pandemic. These patients will be at risk of severe suppression of their immune system and it is vital to avoid unnecessary hospital visits for this vulnerable group. Where feasible patients who, under normal circumstances, [...]

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COVID-19 Prioritisation

COVID-19 Prioritisation The challenges presented to all ophthalmologists during the COVID-19 pandemic are enormous. Oculoplastic surgeons also face potentially high degrees of viral exposure in clinic and theatre from droplet and aerosol spread. Viral transmission may, or may not, occur from the tears and conjunctiva, but protection of the mouth, nose, and eyes is essential when examining or operating on patients. BOPSS both supports, and have contributed to, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ guidelines. We encourage all our members to [...]

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