By Dr Sangeetha Rao
Author’s note:
Dr Sangeetha Rao, an Ophthalmologist and new member of the Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Group, shares her reflections from the 2025 Specialist Keratoconus & Scleral Lens Symposium in Hertford, a weekend of learning, collaboration, and connection.
As a new member of the Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Group, attending the Specialist Keratoconus & Scleral Lens Symposium in Hertford this October was both eye-opening and a lot of fun (yes, pun very much intended!). I wasn’t sure what to expect: a gathering of clinicians, researchers, and industry experts, all focused on improving care for people living with keratoconus. Would I feel out of place, or would I come away with insights that could truly make a difference?
A particular highlight was Peter’s presentation on behalf of the KC Self-Help and Support Group. Seeing the group’s principles articulated so clearly and watching clinicians and industry representatives respond was inspiring. It reinforced that supporting patients goes far beyond clinical care: emotional, social, and psychological support is just as vital as lenses themselves. Discussions extended to carers and relatives, the ageing KC population, and the crucial role of Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) in bridging communication between clinics and patients.
Of course, the hands-on sessions stole the show for me. I got to fit and remove scleral lenses and even take an eye impression, a fantastic insight into the skill and precision required. While the symposium was a deep dive into lenses, having our group present alongside clinicians and industry professionals reminded me that the journey is truly a collaborative one. Seeing everyone engage highlighted how shared experiences, guidance, and support can make all the difference in a patient’s journey, reinforcing the mantra: people first, lenses second.
Watching how small adjustments in edge clearance, peripheral curves, or fluid reservoirs can dramatically affect comfort and vision was fascinating. I now have an even deeper appreciation for the patience and dedication of both clinicians and patients managing these lenses day-to-day.
The programme covered a wide range of topics:
- RGP and hybrid lenses, including “piggyback” systems and soft skirts to improve centration and reduce complications.
- Mini and full scleral lenses, with guidance on achieving optimal central clearance, avoiding limbal compression, and managing common issues like impingement, blanching, decentration, or fogging.
- Therapeutic applications, from ocular surface disease to post-surgical care and conditions such as SJS/TEN, showing that scleral lenses are not just about vision—they can protect, rehabilitate, and even act as a pre-surgical safety net.
Hearing directly from long-term scleral lens wearers reminded me that technology is only part of the picture. Comfort, confidence, and quality of life matter just as much, and every lens tells a story about the person behind it.
The symposium reinforced the value of collaboration between clinicians, patients, and support groups in delivering truly patient-centred care. Through shared experiences, guidance, and support, we help people navigate keratoconus, so it doesn’t have to be a lonely journey.
As an ophthalmologist, this experience deepened my understanding of complex lens fitting and the challenges faced by patients, but it also reminded me that empathy, communication, and advocacy are just as vital as clinical expertise. And yes, I had fun along the way. The hands-on sessions were thrilling, the learning intense, and the speakers brought great energy and humour to every session.
Overall, Hertford was a powerful reminder of the progress being made in keratoconus care, the importance of putting people first, lenses second, and the value of a supportive community. I left inspired, motivated, and excited to bring these lessons into practice and to continue advocating for the Keratoconus community every step of the way.