Practical Eyecare for GPs
Online Course
Do you trust your own eyes with small animal GP ophthalmology?
May 27th - June 24th, 2026
Live & Online
Wednesday Nights 7:30pm (QLD Time)
10 CPD Points
Early Bird Special
Save $100 When You Register by 29th April 2026!
Your investment: $497 AUD (Normally $597 AUD)
Early Bird Ends 29th April 2026
Hear From Our Educator Zoe Anastassiadis
Is This Course for You?
Ophthalmology is a common blind spot. For many GPs, it’s not something that gets revisited in a structured way once the day-to-day pace and pressure of small animal practice kicks in. Over time confidence can fade, skills can become clunky and knowledge might not have the chance to be refreshed and upgraded. For cats and rabbits, where exposure is often more limited, these weaker spots can be exacerbated.
It’s all too easy for eye exams to become inconsistent, a little of this here and a little of that there – resulting in an incomplete diagnostic picture, uncertainty or hold-ups reaching the pathology at play. Ophthalmology is an area where incorrect medication choice can do more harm than good, and where delayed action – be it medical, surgical or referral – can have lasting consequences.
Repeat visits and prolonged case management increase staff and client frustration, and the cost in terms of client retention and trust can be far more than a consult fee. This course provides a clear, practical framework for examining eyes, applying and interpreting core diagnostics, and managing common ophthalmic conditions in dogs, cats and rabbits in the real world.
You’ll Cover:
- Anatomy and physiology directly relevant to your clinical cases, and how these affect medication selection
- Clinical exam of the eye: hands-off, hands-on, direct ophthalmology and ocular reflexes and responses
- In-house tests that help you out: cytology, STT, fluoro staining, tonometry, Jones test and tear film breakup
- Review the minimum data gathering expedition GPs should complete before referral
- Topical medications: what to use, when to use it, and why
- Case-based run-through of common canine ocular pathology including indolent ulcers, melting ulcers, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and glaucoma
- Feline scenarios including conjunctivitis, corneal sequestrum, uveitis and (because cats are different!) glaucoma
- Rabbit eye cases: dacryocystitis, encephalitozoon cuniculi, ulcers and a little more glaucoma, because guess what? The pathology here is unique too
Why This Course is Different
Strengthen the Skills You Already Have
You’ve been managing eye cases for years and experience does provide a strong foundation. The next step is building confidence. This course builds on what you already know, improving your examination technique, diagnostic reasoning and medication choices so you can approach ophthalmic cases with greater confidence.
Live, Visual & Participatory
This live, online course lets you follow real eye cases from exam through to management. You will see techniques in action, and build skills you can use immediately.
Good Habits, Better Results
It’s easy for eye exams to feel scattered or inconsistent. This course helps you focus on systematic examination and key ocular landmarks, so you can confidently assess, diagnose, and manage cases without missing the bigger picture.
Simple & Seamless CPD
Many of us are swept away by busy-ness, making CPD, lunch breaks, or me-time difficult to fit in. This simple option is taught via Zoom at 7:30pm AEST on Wednesday nights. It’s concise, effective, and allows real-time Q&A. If you miss it, all sessions are recorded.
Relevant & Real
Each weekly online module focuses on common GP cases, supported by real clinical imagery and clear visual demonstrations. Practical, clinic-ready learning, nothing extra, nothing irrelevant.
Course Outline
Module 1: Revision of Anatomy & Physiology
This module revisits key ocular anatomy and physiology, with a strong focus on how structure and function directly inform clinical decision-making. By linking anatomical features to common presentations, participants will strengthen their diagnostic accuracy and medication selection in everyday practice.
Module 2: Clinical Examination of the Eye
Module 3: Supplementary Testing & Medications
This module explores the essential diagnostic tests and first-line treatments that support effective ocular case management in general practice. Participants will review when and how to perform key supplementary tests, including cytology, Schirmer tear test (STT), fluorescein staining, tonometry (who should have access to it and why), Jones test, and tear film break-up time. Guidance will be provided on interpreting results to inform clinical decisions. The module will also cover commonly used topical medications, including antibiotics, lacrimimetics (lubricants), anti-inflammatories, and glaucoma therapies. Emphasis will be placed on the minimum diagnostic work-up and treatment steps GPs should complete prior to referral.
Module 4: Common Clinical Cases for Dogs
This case-based module focuses on the diagnosis and management of common canine ocular conditions, including SCCEDs, melting ulcers, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), and both acute and chronic glaucoma. Through real-world scenarios, participants will explore the what, how and why behind each condition, from pathophysiology to clinical presentation and treatment decisions. The module will outline appropriate medical management, discuss surgical options suitable for general practice, and clarify when referral is indicated to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Module 5: Common Clinical Cases for Cats & Rabbits
What's On Offer
Live & Online
This 5-week series on Wednesday evenings, delivers 45 minutes of content and up to 30 minutes of question time – making it efficient learning with maximum payoff. Bring what’s been puzzling you in clinic to the virtual table for expert specialist input. Miss a session? No stress – they’re recorded.
Visually Rich
Ophthalmology is a highly visual pursuit: eyes mean using your eyes, more than any other diagnostic tool. Waiting and hoping for guided real-world experience for every ocular pathology is a huge gamble – this course provides the breadth you need, in a highly effective learning format.
GP Focused & Practice-Ready
This practical, evidence course strengthens GP-essential skills, improves case efficiency, and supports confident decision-making. It’s intentionally about GP triage and the right management or direction for the cases that walk into your consult room.
Plus, you’ll be able to support your team and spread your skills. Becoming the practice eye-care guru you were always meant to be.
Your Instructor
Dr Zoe Anastassiadis
Qualifications: BSc(PV), DVM, MANZCVS (SAM), FANZCVS (Ophthalmology) Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dr Zoe graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Adelaide and began her career in both small animal and mixed animal practice. She later completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Queensland. In 2019, she was awarded Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Small Animal Medicine. That same year, Zoe commenced an ECVO and ANZCVS accredited residency in Veterinary Ophthalmology. She has since completed all requirements to be recognised as a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology in Australia and New Zealand.
Every educator we work with is selected for their depth of knowledge & their ability to teach it clearly in a welcoming and judgement-free online classroom, your virtual seat awaits.
Payment Options
Early Bird Offer Ends In:
Secure Your Spot Before Prices Increase!
What Our Community Is Saying:
Real Feedback From Across Our VetPrac Workshops & Courses
- Rebecca O'Hara
- Brent
Don’t Miss Out!
Addressing Common Questions
Is Practical Eye Care for GPs worth the investment?
Yes – and it’s worth saying that not all CPD is created equal. This course is priced to be accessible within the average CPD budget, and the value you get far exceeds the cost. This kind of training pays for itself quickly because it directly improves how you handle cases you see every week. When you look at the return on investment, it’s a truly tangible upgrade to how your practice runs. Consider these compact, impactful CPD servings without undue budget stretching.
I’m short on time and my CPD hours need to matter. Why this course?
In real terms, this course means a reduction in “I’m not sure” moments, less time wasted waiting for a colleague’s second opinion, fewer frustrating follow-ups, and referrals only when necessary. Not to mention, dodgy eyes are often painful eyes, so the welfare benefits to your patients are a beautifully rewarding touch. This is learning you’ll use weekly if not daily in clinic, it’s not just a log in your CPD record.
Is this real-world ready?
The applicability of this course is endless; after all, eyes are everywhere and there’s plenty that goes wrong with them! Ophthalmology is visual and one of the most useful diagnostic tools we have at our disposal when studying eyes, is our eyes! This course is visually rich, packed with real images and videos of what you’ll see in practice – helping you recognise what test(s) or treatment serve as the most logical next move.
Your Questions Answered
Are group discounts available?
Yes. At VetPrac, we believe in upskilling the whole team. When three or more vets from the same clinic register together under a single booking, you’ll automatically receive a 5% group discount at checkout on our website.
Will I get CPD points and a certificate?
Absolutely. Everyone who completes Practical Eye Care for GPs earns CPD points and receives a CPD certificate as evidence of their investment in professional growth. We email certificates within seven days, so you can tick it off your record without delay.
What kind of learning materials are included?
All participants receive comprehensive learning resources, including prereading materials such as videos, textbook chapters, and journal articles. You’ll also get digital course notes, and recordings of each live session will be available as long as the course remains available on the platform. These resources make it easy to revisit key techniques and refresh your learning whenever you need.
Do I need to attend specific session times?
Not at all. While you’ll only be able to ask questions and participate in discussions during the live sessions, attendance isn’t required.
Each live session is recorded and uploaded to your course library within 48 hours. You’ll have ongoing access to all recordings and course materials for as long as the course remains available on the platform, so you can learn at your own pace and revisit the content whenever it suits you.
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How long is course access open?
You’ll receive lifetime access to the course via your course library, for as long as the course remains available on the platform. This includes 24/7 access to all recordings, references, and course materials.
What happens if the course is cancelled?
If we have to cancel a course, we will refund you your course fees in their entirety. It’s as simple as that.