By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

• Explain the principles of infection prevention and control as they apply to ophthalmic clinical and surgical environments.

• Identify common sources and modes of infection transmission in eye care settings, including patient contact, ophthalmic instruments, medications, and environmental surfaces.

• Demonstrate an understanding of standard and transmission-based precautions used in ophthalmology clinics and operating theatres, including hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and aseptic technique.

• Recognise and explain common ocular and postoperative infections (e.g. conjunctivitis, and endophthalmitis), and describe the nursing role in prevention, early detection, escalation, and reporting.

• Apply infection prevention and control principles to clinical scenarios in eye care, including safe medication handling, patient education, and appropriate responses to potential breaches in infection control.

• Recognise the prevalence and impact of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) on individual patients, their families, and the wider healthcare system.