Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend the ISCEV (International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision) clinical teaching symposium in Reims, France.
Being the only ophthalmic electrodiagnostic technician in the Auckland District Health Board, it was a great opportunity to meet with other people from diverse backgrounds, to share knowledge, experiences and challenges. Some attendees worked in large departments while others were working in more isolated situations so there was a lot to share.
The objectives of the meeting were to promote and extend the knowledge of clinical electrophysiology of vision and to promote cooperation and communication among workers in the field of clinical and basic electrophysiology of vision. There was a varied range of lectures from delegates worldwide.
I particularly found interesting the lectures by Professor Michael Bach from the University of Freiburg, Germany. These included key points to help localise retinal areas, and therefore identify more specifically, areas of pathology within the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). There was also a master class to try and demystify frequency domain recording and analysis within mfERGs. The pattern ERG is a test of macular and post retinal (optic nerve) function, while the multifocal ERG is a more in-depth assessment of the central 20°C of the retina and allows localisation of retinal dysfunction. Professor Bach was able to translate highly technical material into practical application, peppered with his unique sense of humour.
Another challenging area of testing is paediatrics. Dr Dorothy Thompson has run an electrodiagnostic clinic at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital for many years. Her ability to obtain clinically useful results from these tests is legendary and it was a privilege to hear her lectures and to talk with her and discuss protocols and expectations.
