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CET Details
CET Summary
| CET Name : |
Curing blindness with stem cells: hype or hope! |
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| Target Group : |
Optometrists
Dispensing Opticians |
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| Standard of CET : |
New registrant
Returner
Experienced
Expert |
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| Short CET Abstract : |
The cornea is the clear front of the eye and is important for the transmission of light to the retina at the back of the eye for visual perception. The surface of the cornea is composed of an epithelium and this is maintained by stem cells located at the edge of the cornea, in a region known as the limbus. These so-called limbal stem cells can be lost, most commonly from chemical burns to the eye, resulting in the painful and blinding disease of limbal stem cell deficiency. In this disease, the normal corneal epithelium cannot be maintained and the corneal surface becomes covered by the surrounding phenotypically different conjunctival epithelium and its blood vessels. Recent advances have enabled us to treat severe limbal stem cell deficiency using culture expanded human limbal epithelium. Original culture techniques for human limbal epithelium require the use of animal cells or products within the culture system. We have developed an animal cell and product free culture system for human limbal epithelium. We are currently performing clinical trials on patients with unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency by transplanting autologous animal free cultured limbal epithelium. Using objective and subjective outcome parameters, the results from this ongoing trial are promising. |
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| CET Duration / Length : |
1 Learning Hour |
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| Number Of Points : |
1.00 |
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| Points Type : |
general |
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| CET Cost : |
Not Set |
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Further Details
| Learning Objectives : |
• Gain an understanding of stem cell biology
• Gain an understanding of the therapeutic role of adult stem cells
• Gain an understanding of the importance of limbal stem cells for vision
• Gain an understanding of the causes of limbal stem cell deficiency
• Gain an understanding of the stem cell management options of limbal stem cell deficiency
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| Author Short CV(s) : |
Dr Sajjad Ahmad, MB BS, MRCOphth, PhD, Academic Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University North East England Stem Cell Institute, Newcastle University Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Email: sajjad.ahmad@ncl.ac.uk |
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Assessment Methods and Facilities
| Modality : |
Lecture |
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| Closing Date (if applicable) : |
Not Set |
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| Self-Assessment Method : |
Multiple Choice Questions |
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| Evidence of Completion : |
Simple Signed And Dated Certificate |
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| Feedback Collection Method : |
Course Feedback Sheet |
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| Special Facilities / Equipment : |
The CET will be presented in PowerPoint format with opportunity for questions |
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Other Information
| Internal CET Reference : |
Duplicate of C-13824 |
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| Competencies Covered : |
Visual Function for Optometrists
Ocular Examination for Optometrists
Ocular Abnormalities for Optometrists
Low Vision for Dispensing Opticians
Ocular Abnormalities for Dispensing Opticians |
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| Any Other Information : |
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