Hospital Eye Service Research Articles

Hospital to community in Wales: What is the value of optometrists playing a greater role in managing neovascular AMD and glaucoma in primary care?

To evaluate the value of enhanced optometric services for managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and glaucoma in primary care optometry services, instead of hospital eye services (HES). Seven enhanced optometric service pathways in primary care in Wales were assessed with a mixed-methods approach: three for nAMD and four for glaucoma. The methods were a patient-related experience measure (PREM), a Realist Review and Evaluation involving both patients and staff, a discrete event simulation model estimating the economic impact of the pathways and a workforce survey of optometrists to gauge capability and capacity. Patient-related experience measure responses (802) indicated that primary care experience was comparable to that of HES. Utilising enhanced optometric services in primary care resulted in reduced wait times compared with HES, with suspected nAMD shortened to 4-5 days and glaucoma monitoring to 5 days. Waiting lists were dramatically reduced with primary care-based services to just three people waiting for nAMD and five for glaucoma, compared with 216 and 5691 people, respectively, in HES. Consultant ophthalmologist time was reduced from 57% to 15%-16% for nAMD services and from 48% to 22%-23% for glaucoma services. Integrating enhanced optometric services into primary care incurred a similar cost. The workforce survey confirms that optometrists possess the skills and qualifications and are willing to deliver these enhanced optometric services. The Realist Review and Evaluation revealed that clear patient communication, effective coordination and strong interprofessional communication between optometrists and ophthalmologists along with a shared electronic record are crucial to the success of this change. Providing enhanced optometric services in primary care for nAMD and glaucoma brings substantial benefits for the UK National Health Service and patients, including reduced waiting times, waiting lists and released HES capacity. The success of this transition hinges on clear patient communication, administrative co-ordination and effective interprofessional communication.

Feasibility of in-home monitoring for people with glaucoma: the I-TRAC mixed-methods study.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease of the optic nerve and a leading cause of severe visual loss in the UK. Once patients have been diagnosed, they need regular monitoring at hospital eye services. Recent advances in technology mean patients with glaucoma can now monitor their disease at home. This could be more convenient for patients and potentially reduce costs and increase capacity for the NHS. However, it is uncertain whether self-monitoring would be acceptable or possible for patients with glaucoma. The objectives were to: identify which patients are most appropriate for home monitoring; understand views of key stakeholders (patients, clinicians, researchers) on whether home glaucoma monitoring is feasible and acceptable; develop a conceptual framework for the economic evaluation of home glaucoma monitoring; and explore the need for and provide evidence on the design of a future study to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of digital technologies for home monitoring of glaucoma. In-home Tracking of glaucoma: Reliability, Acceptability, and Cost (I-TRAC) was a multiphase mixed-methods feasibility study with key components informed by theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Expert glaucoma specialists in the UK recruited through professional glaucoma societies; study site staff and patient participants recruited through three UK hospital eye services (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland); and UK research teams recruited though existing networks. Home tonometer that measures intraocular pressure and a tablet computer with a visual function application. Patients were asked to use the technology weekly for 12 weeks. Forty-two patients were recruited. Retention and completion of follow-up procedures was successful, with 95% (n = 40) completing the 3-month follow-up clinic visits. Adherence to the interventions was generally high [adherence to both devices (i.e. ≥80% adherence) was 55%]. Overall, patients and healthcare professionals were cautiously optimistic about the acceptability of digital technologies for home monitoring of patients with glaucoma. While most clinicians were supportive of the potential advantages glaucoma home monitoring could offer, concerns about the technologies (e.g. reliability and potential to miss disease progression) and how they would fit into routine care need to be addressed. Additionally, clarity is required on defining the ideal population for this intervention. Plans for how to evaluate value for money in a future study were also identified. However, the study also highlighted several unknowns relating to core components of a future evaluative study that require addressing before progression to a definitive effectiveness trial. The main limitation relates to our sample and its generalisability, for example, the over-representation of educated persons of white ethnicity who were generally experienced with technology and research motivated. The In-home Tracking of glaucoma: Reliability, Acceptability, and Cost study has demonstrated 'cautious optimism' when considering patients' and healthcare professionals' views on the acceptability of digital technologies for home monitoring of patients with glaucoma. However, the study also highlighted several unknowns relating to the research question and design of a future evaluative study that require addressing before progression to a randomised controlled trial. Further research is required to determine the appropriate population (i.e. low vs. high risk of progression) and further refine the intervention components and delivery for planning of future evaluation studies. This study is registered as Research Registry #6213. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR129248) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 44. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Home-monitoring for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in older adults within the UK: the MONARCH diagnostic accuracy study.

Most neovascular age-related macular degeneration treatments involve long-term follow-up of disease activity. Home monitoring would reduce the burden on patients and those they depend on for transport, and release clinic appointments for other patients. The study aimed to evaluate three home-monitoring tests for patients to use to detect active neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared with diagnosing active neovascular age-related macular degeneration by hospital follow-up. There were five objectives: Estimate the accuracy of three home-monitoring tests to detect active neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Determine the acceptability of home monitoring to patients and carers and adherence to home monitoring. Explore whether inequalities exist in recruitment, participants' ability to self-test and their adherence to weekly testing during follow-up. Provide pilot data about the accuracy of home monitoring to detect conversion to neovascular age-related macular degeneration in fellow eyes of patients with unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Describe challenges experienced when implementing home-monitoring tests. Diagnostic test accuracy cohort study, stratified by time since starting treatment. Six United Kingdom Hospital Eye Service macular clinics (Belfast, Liverpool, Moorfields, James Paget, Southampton, Gloucester). Patients with at least one study eye being monitored by hospital follow-up. Detection of active neovascular age-related macular degeneration by an ophthalmologist at hospital follow-up. KeepSight Journal: paper-based near-vision tests presented as word puzzles. MyVisionTrack®: electronic test, viewed on a tablet device. MultiBit: electronic test, viewed on a tablet device. Participants provided test scores weekly. Raw scores between hospital follow-ups were summarised as averages. Two hundred and ninety-seven patients (mean age 74.9 years) took part. At least one hospital follow-up was available for 317 study eyes, including 9 second eyes that became eligible during follow-up, in 261 participants (1549 complete visits). Median testing frequency was three times/month. Estimated areas under receiver operating curves were < 0.6 for all index tests, and only KeepSight Journal summary score was significantly associated with the lesion activity (odds ratio = 3.48, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 11.13, p = 0.036). Older age and worse deprivation for home address were associated with lower participation (χ2 = 50.5 and 24.3, respectively, p < 0.001) but not ability or adherence to self-testing. Areas under receiver operating curves appeared higher for conversion of fellow eyes to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (0.85 for KeepSight Journal) but were estimated with less precision. Almost half of participants called a study helpline, most often due to inability to test electronically. Pre-specified sample size not met; participants' difficulties using the devices; electronic tests not always available. No index test provided adequate test accuracy to identify lesion diagnosed as active in follow-up clinics. If used to detect conversion, patients would still need to be monitored at hospital. Associations of older age and worse deprivation with study participation highlight the potential for inequities with such interventions. Provision of reliable electronic testing was challenging. Future studies evaluating similar technologies should consider: Independent monitoring with clear stopping rules based on test performance. Deployment of apps on patients' own devices since providing devices did not reduce inequalities in participation and complicated home testing. Alternative methods to summarise multiple scores over the period preceding a follow-up. This trial is registered as ISRCTN79058224. This award was funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 15/97/02) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 32. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Optometrist-delivered selective laser trabeculoplasty in the HES – a training protocol and early service evaluation

Over the last decade, the delivery of glaucoma care in the UK has changed dramatically, with more non-medical ophthalmic practitioners involved in the care of glaucoma patients. Optometrists and other non-medical professionals are now involved in the delivery of laser treatments in the Hospital Eye Service (HES), but there is currently no standardised national training framework for non-medical clinicians. Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology have developed and delivered an education and training programme for the delivery of lasers, including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) by non-medical ophthalmic practitioners. The training programme is based on medical education principles, is informed by previous qualitative research into the role of ophthalmic practitioners in the delivery of laser treatments and is expected to have multidisciplinary benefits for ophthalmic healthcare. Clinical audit data indicate that optometrists can deliver safe SLT treatments, adhering to local protocols.

What are the experiences of teleophthalmology in optometric referral pathways? A qualitative interview study with patients and clinicians

ObjectiveImplementing teleophthalmology into the optometric referral pathway may ease the current pressures on hospital eye services caused by over-referrals from some optometrists. This study aimed to understand the practical implications...

Home-Monitoring Vision Tests to Detect Active Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Most neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treatments involve long-term follow-up of disease activity. Home-monitoring would reduce the burden on patients and their caregivers and release clinic capacity. To evaluate 3 vision home-monitoring tests for patients to use to detect active nAMD compared with diagnosing active nAMD at hospital follow-up during the after-treatment monitoring phase. This was a diagnostic test accuracy study wherein the reference standard was detection of active nAMD by an ophthalmologist at hospital follow-up. The 3 home-monitoring tests evaluated included the following: (1) the KeepSight Journal (KSJ [International Macular and Retinal Foundation]), which contains paper-based near-vision tests presented as word puzzles, (2) the MyVisionTrack (mVT [Genentech]) vision-monitoring mobile app, viewed on an Apple mobile operating system-based device, and (3) the MultiBit (MBT [Visumetrics]) app, viewed on an Apple mobile operating system-based device. Participants were asked to test weekly; mVT and MBT scores were transmitted automatically, and KSJ scores were returned to the research office every 6 months. Raw scores between hospital follow-ups were summarized as averages. Patients were recruited from 6 UK hospital eye clinics and were 50 years and older with at least 1 eye first treated for active nAMD for at least 6 months or longer to a maximum of 42 months before approach. Participants were stratified by time since starting treatment. Study data were analyzed from May to September 2021. The KSJ, mVT, and MBT were compared with the reference standard (in-hospital ophthalmologist examination). Estimated area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The study had 90% power to detect a difference of 0.06, or 80% power to detect a difference of 0.05, if the AUROC for 2 tests was 0.75. A total of 297 patients (mean [SD] age, 74.9 [6.6] years; 174 female [58.6%]) were included in the study. At least 1 hospital follow-up was available for 312 study eyes in 259 participants (1549 complete visits). Median (IQR) home-monitoring testing frequency was 3 (1-4) times per month. Estimated AUROC was less than 0.6 for all home-monitoring tests, and only the KSJ summary score was associated with lesion activity (odds ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.09-11.13; P = .04). Results suggest that no home-monitoring vision test evaluated provided satisfactory diagnostic accuracy to identify active nAMD diagnosed in hospital eye service follow-up clinics. Implementing any of these evaluated tests, with ophthalmologists only reviewing test positives, would mean most active lesions were missed, risking unnecessary sight loss.

Prevalence of presenting bilateral visual impairment associated with refractive error – findings from the See4School, pre-school vision screening programme in NHS Scotland

Background/objectivesThe See4School programme in Scotland is a pre-school vision screening initiative delivered by orthoptists on a national scale. The primary objective of any vision screening programme is to identify amblyopia, given the common understanding that this condition is unlikely to be detected either at home or through conventional healthcare channels. The target condition is not bilateral visual impairment, as it is believed that most children will be identified within the first year of life either through observations at home or as part of the diagnosis of another related disorder. This belief persists even though bilateral visual impairment is likely to have a more detrimental impact on a child’s day-to-day life, including their education. If this hypothesis were accurate, the occurrence of bilateral visual impairment detected through the Scottish vision screening programme would be minimal as children already under the hospital eye service are not invited for testing. The overarching aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of presenting bilateral visual impairment associated with refractive error detected via the Scottish preschool screening programme.Subjects/methodsRetrospective anonymised data from vision screening referrals in Scotland from 2013–2016 were collected. Children underwent an assessment using a crowded logMAR vision test and a small number of orthoptic tests.ResultsDuring the 3-year period, out of 165,489 eligible children, 141,237 (85.35%) received the vision screening assessment. Among them, 27,010 (19.12%) failed at least one part of the screening and were subsequently referred into the diagnostic pathway, where they received a full sight test. The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment associated with refractive error and detected via the vision screening programme (≥ 0.3LogMAR) was reported to range between 1.47% (1.37–1.59) and 2.42% (2.29–2.57).ConclusionsIt is estimated that up to 2.42% (2.29–2.57) of children living Scotland have poorer than driving standard of vision (6/12) in their pre-school year, primarily due to undetected refractive error. Reduced vision has the potential to impact a child’s their day-to-day life including their future educational, health and social outcomes.

2015 Identifying and Managing Visual Impairment in Older Patients with Falls on a Care of the Elderly (COTE) ward

Abstract Introduction In 2019, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) advised that all patients should have their vision screened if identified as a falls risk. Our aim was to implement a bedside visual screening test and establish an onward inpatient referral to Hospital Eye Services (HES). Method This is a collaborative Quality Improvement project involving Geriatric Medicine, HES and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). A pilot study cross referenced falls admissions with previous known ophthalmic data to estimate the proportion of known vision loss in this group. In the second phase of the project, a bedside visual screening test has been introduced for all patients admitted to COTE with a fall. Patients failing the screening are reviewed by an RNIB Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) and if necessary, a prompt inpatient HES review is arranged. Results Of 182 patients admitted following a fall, in the pilot study, 112 (61%) were known to ophthalmology previously. Of patients known to ophthalmology, 28 (25%) had vision of 6/18 or worse and would be considered to struggle with daily living tasks. 12 (10%) had a certificate of visual impairment (CVI) and 3 (3%) were eligible for CVI but had not been previously registered. One year following implementation of bedside vision testing, 287 patients had been reviewed after failing bedside screening. 97 of these had an onward referral sent or an intervention performed. The first ‘COTE ECLO’ post has been funded as a result of this work. Conclusion Assessing vision is a critical element of the assessment of patients with falls. Through collaboration with the RNIB and Ophthalmology a successful pathway has been developed to address visual impairment in this vulnerable group of patients.

The effectiveness of interventions for optometric referrals into the hospital eye service: A review.

Ophthalmic services are currently under considerable stress; in the UK, ophthalmology departments have the highest number of outpatient appointments of any department within the National Health Service. Recognising the need for intervention, several approaches have been trialled to tackle the high numbers of false-positive referrals initiated in primary care and seen face to face within the hospital eye service (HES). In this mixed-methods narrative synthesis, we explored interventions based on their clinical impact, cost and acceptability to determine whether they are clinically effective, safe and sustainable. A systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), was used to identify appropriate studies published between December 2001 and December 2022. A total of 55 studies were reviewed. Four main interventions were assessed, where two studies covered more than one type: training and guidelines (n = 8), referral filtering schemes (n = 32), asynchronous teleophthalmology (n = 13) and synchronous teleophthalmology (n = 5). All four approaches demonstrated effectiveness for reducing false-positive referrals to the HES. There was sufficient evidence for stakeholder acceptance and cost-effectiveness of referral filtering schemes; however, cost comparisons involved assumptions. Referral filtering and asynchronous teleophthalmology reported moderate levels of false-negative cases (2%-20%), defined as discharged patients requiring HES monitoring. The effectiveness of interventions varied depending on which outcome and stakeholder was considered. More studies are required to explore stakeholder opinions around all interventions. In order to maximise clinical safety, it may be appropriate to combine more than one approach, such as referral filtering schemes with virtual review of discharged patients to assess the rate of false-negative cases. The implementation of a successful intervention is more complex than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach and there is potential space for newer types of interventions, such as artificial intelligence clinical support systems within the referral pathway.

Assessment of optometrists' referral accuracy and contributing factors: A review.

In the UK, ophthalmology has the highest number of outpatient appointments within the National Health Service. False-positive referrals from primary care are one of the main factors contributing to the oversubscription of hospital eye services (HESs). We reviewed the accuracy of referrals originating from primary care optometrists and contributing factors, such as condition type and years since registration. Of the 31 studies included in the review, 22 were retrospective analyses of referrals and appointments at the HES. Eight were prospective studies, and one used online clinical vignettes. Seven assessed the accuracy of referrals for all ocular conditions. The remaining studies focused on glaucoma (n = 11), cataracts (n = 7), emergency conditions (n = 4), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n = 1) and paediatric binocular vision (n = 1). The diagnostic agreement for suspected emergency ocular conditions was the lowest, with only 21.1% of referrals considered to require urgent attention in one study. For glaucoma, the first-visit discharge rate was high (16.7%-48%). Optometrist referral accuracy was overall 18.6% higher than General Medical Practitioners'; however, the two mainly referred different ocular conditions. Female optometrists made more false-positive referrals than males (p = 0.008). The proportion of false positives decreased by 6.2% per year since registration (p < 0.001). There was significant variation in referral accuracy across different ocular conditions, partly due to differences when defining accurate referrals. Optometrists working in primary care are generally more limited in their resources than the HES. Thus, choosing the cautious option of referral when they are unsure could be in the patients' best interests. The possible effect of increased use of advanced imaging on referrals requires evaluation. Although interventions such as refinement schemes have been put in place, these vary across regions, and their approaches such as virtual referral triaging may reduce unnecessary HES face-to-face appointments and promote communication between primary and secondary care.

PACS plus criteria: a retrospective cohort review of 612 consecutive patients treated with bilateral YAG peripheral iridotomies

IntroductionWith an ageing population and better life expectancy, the prevalence of angle closure disease is expected to increase by 20% per decade. In 2022, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) issued a guideline on managing angle closure disease. Hospital eye service (HES) referral and prophylactic treatment are recommended only for primary angle closure suspect (PACS) with “Plus” features only. We aimed to examine patients previously treated with YAG peripheral iridotomies (YAG PI) for the presence of “PACS Plus” features.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated with YAG PI between 2015 and 2019 at a tertiary referral NHS eye centre was reviewed. Cases were examined to identify and classify patients into Primary Angle Closure (PAC), PACS, and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). Patients with PACS were studied for “Plus” features.ResultsSix hundred twelve patients with gonioscopy-confirmed angle closure (defined as a minimum 180 degrees iridotrabecular contact) treated with YAG PI from years 2015 to 2019 were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients presenting with angle closure disease was 68.5 years (SD 11.3). There were 390 (63.7%) patients with PACS, 102 (16.6%) with PAC and 120 (19.7%) with PACG. Of the PACS patients, 159(40.8%) patients had no “Plus” features. 181 (40.2%) patients had 1 “Plus” feature, 37 (9.5%) had 2 “Plus” features and 13 (3.3%) patients had 3 “Plus” features.ConclusionIn our cohort, a considerable proportion (40.8%) of PACS patients treated with YAG PI did not have Plus features and therefore that would not meet the proposed criteria for HES referral and YAG PI. With the proposed guidance, we expect a considerable reduction in HES referrals. Nonetheless, community optometry services should be supported and trained to provide monitoring for patients with PACS not referred to the HES.

Five-year outcomes of digital diabetic eye screening in individuals aged 80 and 85 years

ObjectiveTo assess the incidence of referable diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients aged 80 and 85 years to determine whether screening interval can be extended safely in this age group.MethodsPatients who were aged 80 and 85 years when they attended digital screening during April 2014–March 2015 were included. Screening results at baseline and over the next four years were analysed.Results1880 patients aged 80 and 1105 patients aged 85 were included. Patients referred to hospital eye service (HES) for DR ranged from 0.7% to 1.4% in the 80-year-old cohort over 5 years. In this cohort a total of 76 (4%) were referred to HES for DR, of which 11 (0.6%) received treatment. Over the course of the follow up (FU), 403 (21%) died. In the 85-year-old cohort, referral to HES for DR each year ranged from 0.1% to 1.3%. In this cohort a total of 27 (2.4%) were referred to HES for DR, of which 4 (0.4%) received treatment. Over the course of follow-up 541(49%) died. All treated cases were for maculopathy in both cohorts and there were no cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring treatment.ConclusionThis study showed that the risk of progression of retinopathy is quite low in this age group and only a small proportion of patients developed referable retinopathy requiring treatment. This suggests relooking at the need for screening and ideal screening intervals in patients aged 80 years and over with no referable DR as they can be potentially classed as a group with low risk of sight loss.

Measures of multiple deprivation and visual field loss in glaucoma clinics in England: lessons from big data

Background/ObjectivesTo examine the association between multiple deprivation with late diagnosis and rapid worsening of glaucoma in patients in English hospital eye services (HES).Methods602,439 visual fields (VFs) were extracted from five regionally different glaucoma clinics in England. Mean Deviation (MD) worse than −12 dB was used as a surrogate definition for advanced VF loss at diagnosis in patients with ≥2 reliable VF records. MD loss worse than -1 dB per year was used to define rapid VF progression in patients with ≥6 VFs. Patient data were stratified into deciles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) from residential postcodes.ResultsThere was an association between IMD and advanced VF loss at diagnosis in 44,956 patients with 18% (293/1608) and 11% (771/6929) in the most and least deprived IMD decile, respectively. Age-corrected odds ratio (OR) for having advanced VF loss at entry into HES was 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–1.67) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66–0.85) in the most and least deprived IMD decile respectively (reference = fifth decile). In 15,094 patients with follow up data (median [interquartile range] of 6.9 [4.5, 10.0] years), the proportion having rapid VF progression did not differ across the IMD spectrum.ConclusionLarge-scale VF data from clinics indicates that glaucoma severity at presentation to English HES is associated with levels of multiple deprivation. We found no evidence to suggest likelihood of having rapid VF progression during follow-up is associated with IMD; this hints at equity of glaucoma care and outcomes once patients are in English HES.

Diabetic retinopathy progression in patients under monitoring for treatment or vision loss: external validation and update of a multivariable prediction model

IntroductionThe number of people with diabetes mellitus is increasing globally and consequently so too is diabetic retinopathy (DR). Most patients with diabetes are monitored through the diabetic eye screening programme...

1226 A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO TRANSFORMING EYE CARE SERVICES FOR CARE HOME RESIDENTS

Abstract Introduction Care home residents can have variable access to eye care services and treatments. We developed a collaborative approach between optometrists, care homes, and primary and secondary care to enable personalised patient-centred care. Objective To develop and evaluate an integrated model of eye care for care home residents. Methods Small scale plan-do-study-act (PDSA) service tests were completed in three care-homes in Southwark (2 residential, 1 nursing) between November 2021 to May 2022. Processes were compared to historical feedback and hospital-based ophthalmology clinic attendances (Mar 2019-2020). Hospital-like assessments were piloted at two care homes for feasibility and acceptability. Further piloting utilised usual domiciliary optometry-led assessment with multidisciplinary meeting access (including optometrist, GP, geriatrician, ophthalmologist and care home nurse) to reduce duplication of assessments and to evaluate MDM processes and referral rates. Results Examination was 100% successful at home (visual acuity and pressure measurement) compared to hospital outpatients (71.7% success visual acuity, 54.5% pressures). Examination was faster than in hospital settings (16 minutes vs 45 minutes-1 hour). Residents were away from usual activities for 32 minutes vs 6 hours for hospital visits including transport. Residents were less distressed with home-based assessments. Did-Not-Attend (DNA) rates reduced (26.7% to 0%), secondary care discharge rates improved (8.4% to 32%). Hospital eye service referral were indicated in 19% -23%, half of which were for consideration of cataract surgery. Alternative conservative plans were agreed at MDM for nursing home residents who were clinically too frail or would not have been able to comply with treatments avoiding 33% unnecessary referrals. Conclusions Home-based eye care assessments appear better tolerated and are more efficient for residents, health and care staff. Utilising an MDM for optometrists to discuss residents with ophthalmologists and wider MDT members enabled personalised patient-centred decision-making. Future work to test this borough wide is in progress.

Mental health support across the sight loss pathway: a qualitative exploration of eye care patients, optometrists, and ECLOs

BackgroundThe process of becoming visually impaired or blind is undoubtedly a highly emotional experience, requiring practical and psychological support. Information on mental health support provision in the UK across the sight-loss pathway, however, is largely unknown, especially amongst healthcare practitioners that are often sought after for advice: the referring optometrist and eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO). This study aims to ascertain the perceived accessibility and quality of mental health support across the sight-loss pathway.MethodsSemi-structured individual interviews were conducted with patients with a diagnosed eye condition who had received care from a hospital eye service, referring optometrists, and ECLOs. Following interview transcription, results were synthesised in a narrative analysis.ResultsA total of 28 participants were included in the analysis, of which 17 were participants with various eye conditions, five were referring optometrists, and five were ECLOs. After analysis, three broad themes emerged: (1) The emotional trauma of diagnosis (2) Availability of mental health support; (3) The point where mental health support is most needed across the sight-loss pathway. Several patients reporting that they had received no offer of support nor were they signposted to any possible sources. Referring optometrists and ECLO’s agreed.ConclusionIt is important that referring optometrists are aware of the need for mental health support services and can signpost to local support services including the third sector anytime during the referral process. Future large-scale, UK-wide research into referral practice and signposting for mental health support for patients is warranted, to identify how services can be improved in order to ensure that the wellbeing of patients is maintained.

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the City of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background: The main causes of severe vision loss and blindness in Europe are age-related retinal diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye disease (DED), and a host of vascular conditions. Both the prevalence and incidence of severe vision loss are expected to increase in territories where life expectancy is increasing. Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the current prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the most common risks for its development in the city of Sarajevo, a Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: This retrospective single center study included 205 diabetic patients from the city of Sarajevo who attended the regular ophthalmological examination at the Specialty Eye Hospital Svjetlost, in a branch located in the city center, from August 2021 to August 2022. Patients underwent a complete medical assessment by ophthalmology specialists. The retinal examination included an evaluation of the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Any retinopathy present was graded as mild non-proliferative retinopathy, moderate-severe non-proliferative retinopathy, or proliferative retinopathy (PDR). Results: Retinopathy was present in 40.49 % of patients included in this study; 13.17 % had the mild form of diabetic retinopathy, 7.80 % had the moderate-severe form, and 19.51 % had a proliferative form of diabetic retinopathy. The mean duration of diabetes diagnosis was 11.12 years overall, 11.74 years in men, and 10.22 in women. Macular edema was present in 38.55% of patients with retinopathy, 6.02 % in patients with mild form, 8.43 % in patients with moderate-severe form, and 24.09 % in patients with PDR. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Sarajevo is relatively high, and the most common is a severe form of the disease. Regular diabetic retinopathy screening in primary healthcare services and hospital eye services is highly recommended for the timely prevention of visual impairment and blindness.

A nationwide survey of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy presenting to the hospital eye service in the United Kingdom

BackgroundThe risk of developing hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is considered sufficient to justify national monitoring programmes. There are an estimated 71,144–77,170 long-term hydroxychloroquine users in the UK. However, the number of patients diagnosed with retinopathy is unknown. This study aimed to identify the number of cases and clinical characteristics of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy diagnosed annually in hospital eye services across the UK.MethodsA nationwide, prospective case ascertainment study was undertaken using the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit, which sends approximately 1420 reporting cards to UK Ophthalmologists monthly. The case definition was two abnormal tests suggestive of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Demographic and clinical data relating to hydroxychloroquine use and retinopathy were collected from identified cases using a standardised questionnaire over a 1-year period (2018–2019).ResultsSixty-six cases of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy were reported, and 46 questionnaires were received (73% response rate). Twenty-four incident cases of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy were identified (24-43 cases following adjustment). The median duration of drug therapy was 19 years (range: 4–50 years, IQR: 14.5–23 years). Fourteen patients were asymptomatic, and 9 symptomatic at diagnosis. A trend towards a lower mean deviation on visual field testing was observed in the symptomatic group (−11.55 dB versus −6.9 dB; P = 0.15).ConclusionBetween 1 in 1655 and 3215 (0.03–0.06%) long-term hydroxychloroquine users were diagnosed with retinopathy over the study period. We estimate that monitoring was available for 1.9–3.8% of long-term users, accounting for a lower than expected incidence. The high proportion of symptomatic retinopathy at diagnosis underlines the importance of monitoring to detect pre-symptomatic disease.

The Integration of Diabetic Eye Screening into Hemodialysis Units in Northern Ireland.

Diabetes is rising globally and is the most common cause of both end-stage renal disease and blindness. People on hemodialysis have to attend several dialysis appointments per week, which can affect their attendance at diabetic eye screening. In addition, previous literature suggests patients on hemodialysis are more likely to have sight-threatening diabetic eye disease. This study aims to determine attendance at the Diabetic Eye Screening Program in Northern Ireland, diabetic retinopathy severity, and use of handheld retinal imaging in people with diabetes attending hemodialysis units in Northern Ireland. All patients with diabetes attending hemodialysis clinics regionally were screened and graded by the Diabetic Eye Screening Program in Northern Ireland using a handheld and/or conventional nonmydriatic fundus camera. All eligible people (N=149) were offered a Diabetic Eye Screening Program in Northern Ireland appointment, 132 attended, 34% of whom had not been seen in >3 years and 15% of whom had never attended the Diabetic Eye Screening Program in Northern Ireland despite multiple previous appointments. Altogether, 13% required urgent referral to hospital eye services, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.4%. Those on hemodialysis are at high risk for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Implementing the Diabetic Eye Screening Program in Northern Ireland in hemodialysis clinics enables timely diagnosis and referral.

A smartphone lens attachment improves the quality of referrals to eye casualty.

Background/objectivesIn recent years, eye casualty clinics have seen significant increases in patient numbers with reduced capacity. COVID-19 has exacerbated this issue and demonstrated the potential of telemedicine as a solution. Our study evaluated the potential benefit of a smartphone-based lens attachment to improve the referral pathway for anterior segment related complaints in eye casualty.Subjects/methodsFifty-four consecutive patients with anterior segment complaints were recruited. A questionnaire was completed with each patient to simulate the history from the point of referral. White light and cobalt blue photos were captured using a smartphone lens. The clinician reviewing the patient was asked to document the actual diagnosis and the appropriate time-frame within which they felt the patient could safely have been seen within; both with and without the option of management advice at the time of triage. The subsequent images and questionnaires were reviewed by a single consultant Ophthalmologist who was independent to the data collection process. The assessor was asked to make a diagnosis and management plan based upon the questionnaire (‘History’), and the questionnaire with the photo (‘History with Image’), as well as rate their clinical confidence on a 1–5 scale.ResultsDiagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in “History with Image” (98.2%), when compared to “History” only (48.2%). “History with Image” prevented significantly more appointments when compared to “History” alone, at similar levels to retrospective clinic review. Preventable appointments were increased if clinical advice was possible. Timeframe of appointments between ‘History with Image’ and ‘Clinic’ appointments was similar. Clinical’Confidence was significantly higher at 4.5 with ‘History with Image’ when compared to 2.37 with ‘History Only’.ConclusionA low-cost smartphone lens attachment, alongside a standardised clinical questionnaire, can improve the referral pathway to the hospital eye service by reducing unnecessary appointments, while improving clinical confidence and diagnostic accuracy during triage. Further work to evaluate referral pathways, including the development of systems that allow for secure image transmission are needed to understand the feasibility for the widespread adoption of this technology.