Connecting Clinical Practice and Community: A Morning at a GP Conference
- Dr Mpopi Lenake
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak at a MediCross GP event hosted by one of our local pharma partners. It was a Sunday morning session — 9:00am sharp — and while I wasn’t sure what to expect walking in, it turned out to be a meaningful and energising encounter with colleagues in general practice.

The audience was small and intimate, which made the conversation feel less like a lecture and more like a shared learning space. My focus for the session was a common yet often misunderstood condition: dry eye disease. I spoke briefly on the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and management options we use in ophthalmic practice, but what made the session come alive was the engagement from the GPs — their questions, their stories, and their interest in how this everyday complaint fits into the broader care journey.
Why Events Like These Matter
As an ophthalmologist, I often sit deep within a clinical sub-specialty, focused on fine details — from corneal staining patterns to post-op healing timelines. But GP’s are the frontline. They’re the ones fielding the initial concerns, noting the early patterns, and helping patients manage conditions before a referral is ever made. Being able to share insights with them — and learn from them in turn — helps ensure patients aren’t falling through the cracks.
It also reinforces something I spoke about recently: the power of networking in eye care. Collaboration doesn’t just happen in operating rooms or referral letters — it starts in conversations like these, where we bring our perspectives together and build trust across disciplines.
A Glimpse Into the Talk
Dry eye is incredibly common, and often linked to environmental or behavioural triggers:
Long hours at the computer
Exposure to wind, sun, or dry air
Smoking
Age-related tear film decline
Many mild cases can be managed with over-the-counter artificial tears, but chronic or unresponsive cases should be referred for deeper investigation. One GP in the session even shared her experience managing her own dry eye, giving her colleagues a real-world glimpse into what it feels like — not just how it’s treated.
Clinical insights and patient-friendly education are regularly shared through my website, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and I encourage GP’s and healthcare professionals to drop in anytime. Whether it’s a post on ptosis or tips for managing post-operative care, I believe in making this information accessible and practical.
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