COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Optometrists are familiar with the use of topical antibiotics in the treatment of ocular conditions but often hesitate in the use of systemic antibiotics in treatment protocols. Utilizing the latest in interactive technology, this course will review the major groups of antibiotics, their modes of action and their systemic indications in infection management. Special emphasis will be placed on the current use of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of ocular disease conditions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• The attendee will understand the basic principles of antimicrobials including the importance of resistance development
• The attendee will be familiar with the major group of antibiotics, their mode of therapeutic action, specific representatives from each group and their appropriate dosing
• The attendee will be familiar with the individual groups of antibiotics and their systemic indication for use
• The attendee will be familiar with the individual groups of antibiotics and their ocular indication for use
• The attendee will be familiar with the complications associated with antibiotic use
• The attendee will be familiar with the ocular side effects of systemic administration of antibiotics