Free GP resource for common eye concerns

A Christchurch-based ophthalmologist’s collection of popular articles for general practitioners (GPs) on how to diagnose and treat common eye problems has been revised and is now freely available online here.

Dr Malcolm McKellar’s articles originally appeared in the long-defunct subscription-only GP Weekly magazine, to which he was a contributor for many years. He said the collection was originally a great money earner, but he is happy to make it free in the hope it will again reach GPs and others who could make use of the information.

Dr Malcolm McKellar

GPEyes is described as an ‘online textbook’ and is based on Dr McKellar’s articles, with the contents fully revised. Each ‘chapter’ covers how to diagnose and treat eye problems encountered by GPs.

“I think we are entering an era when reliable information will be critical, but harder to find. And, while the primary audience is GPs, others may find it helpful too. I tend to keep it open on my desktop and use it to educate patients,” Dr McKellar said.

GPEyes includes topics based on what training and practising family medicine doctors want to know, he said, with an emphasis on common conditions, except for ophthalmic emergencies. It avoids topics that are well covered elsewhere and is richly illustrated with images similar to those that GPs can see without specialised equipment. It also includes practical guidance on how to examine, diagnose, treat and refer, Dr McKellar said.