Ophthalmology

Rationalisation of Storeroom 2 in the Cataract Suite, RSH (2022)

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Type of publication:
Service improvement case study

Author(s):
*Sally Flukes (Ophthalmology Assistant ) and *Debbie Smith (Housekeeper)

Citation:
SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2022

Abstract:
To create a clutter free, safe and organised storeroom, which ensures the necessary equipment is stored in an appropriate place that makes it easily accessible for all colleagues, that meets the IPC standards as stated in the Trust policy by January 2023.

Link to PDF poster [no password required]

Rationalisation of a Cataract Emergency Theatre trolley, RSH (2022)

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Type of publication:
Service improvement case study

Author(s):
*Sally Flukes (Ophthalmology Assistant)

Citation:
SaTH Improvement Hub, December 2022

Abstract:
Ensure Theatre Assistants have all the required items for the daily theatre list and stock levels are agreed by December 2022.

Link to PDF poster [no password required]

Deposition keratopathy (2022)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):
Panthagani J.; MacDonald T.; *Bruynseels A.; Madathilethu S.C.; Jenyon T.

Citation:British Journal of Hospital Medicine. 83(7) (pp 1-13), 2022. Date of Publication: 02 Jul 2022.

Abstract:Material can be deposited in the cornea as a result of a wide range of systemic and ophthalmic diseases, as well as local and systemic therapies. Causes include local infection or trauma, systemic malignancy, a wide range of medications and a host of genetic and metabolic diseases. Some of these can be acutely life threatening, so generalists caring for both children and adults should have a basic awareness of the pattern and distribution of corneal deposits to facilitate timely diagnosis, investigation, management or onward referral to avoid significant morbidity or mortality. This article outlines causes of corneal deposits found in patients presenting to primary care, ophthalmic clinics or encountered on the wards to help generalists avoid missing serious pathology. It also provides insight into the natural history of underlying causative conditions and their possible treatments.

The changing landscape for the management of patients with neovascular AMD: brolucizumab in clinical practice (2022)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Pearce I; Amoaku W; Bailey C; Downey L; Gale R; Ghanchi F; Hamilton R; Mahmood S; Menon G; *Nosek J; Talks J; Yang Y

Citation:
Eye. 36(9) (pp 1725-1734), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Untreated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can lead to severe and permanent visual impairment. The chronic nature of the disease can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and an economic and time burden on medical retina (MR) services, with the care need outweighing the growth of resources that clinical services can access. The introduction of a new treatment into clinical services can be challenging, especially for services that are already under capacity constraints. Guidance for practical implementation is therefore helpful. Roundtable meetings, facilitated by Novartis UK, between a working group of MR experts with experience of leading and managing NHS retinal services in the intravitreal era were conducted between 2020 and 2021. These meetings explored various aspects and challenges of introducing a new anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy to the UK medical retina services. Provision of clear expert recommendations and practical guidance nationally, that can be adapted locally as required to support clinicians and healthcare professionals (HCPs), is valuable in supporting the introduction of a new anti-VEGF therapy within the NHS environment. The experts provide ophthalmologic HCPs with a collation of insights and recommendations to support the introduction and delivery of brolucizumab in their local service in the face of current and projected growth in demand for retina care.

Evaluating the quality and readability of online information on keratoconus treatment (2023)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):Panthagani, Jesse; Hamze, Hisham; *Riaz, Afrah; Moussa, George

Citation:Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. 58(2):150-155, 2023

Abstract:OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the quality and readability of online resources on keratoconus treatment. METHODS A Google.com search was conducted on August 9, 2020; 32 web sites were selected for analysis. Popularity was assessed by Google and Alexa rank. The quality of web sites was analyzed using the quality criteria for consumer health information (DISCERN) tool, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark, and the Health On the Net Code of Conduct Certification (HONcode). The readability of the web sites was assessed using the Fleschwebr hea Reading Ease, the Automated Readability Index, and the Fleschted Readability RESULTS: The JAMA benchmark scores, unlike the DISCERN scores, were correlated with the Google and Alexa rank. One web site (3.1%) met all the JAMA benchmark criteria, and 3 (9.3%) others had HON code certification. The median DISCERN score was 33 (range, 29.6-43.1; maximum possible, 80). Rnib.org.uk scored the highest at 57 (71.0%). The mean Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score (52.9 ± 7.1) corresponded to uk" n DIdifficult to read." Thirty-one web sites (96.8%) had a Flesch-Kincaid Grade higher than the American Medical Association recommendation of sixth grade level. The median Automated Readability Index score was 7 (range, 6.2-7.3). CONCLUSION The majority of online information currently available on keratoconus treatment is complex and highly variable. Rnib.org.uk is the best currently available source. Clinicians should inform patients on how to assess the credibility of online information and recommend suitable information sources

Providing a safe and effective intravitreal treatment service: strategies for service delivery (2020)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Amoaku W.; Bailey C.; Downey L.; Gale R.P.; Ghanchi F.; Hamilton R.; Mahmood S.; Menon G.; *Nosek J. ; Pearce I.; Yang Y

Citation:
Clinical Ophthalmology; 2020; vol. 14 ; p. 1315-1328

Abstract:
An aging population leads to increasing demand for medical retina services with chronic diseases being managed in long-term care pathways. Many hospital services struggle to deliver efficient and effective MR care due, at least in part, to infrastructure that does not expand responsively enough to meet the increased demand. A steering committee of retinal specialists from a variety of UK NHS hospital ophthalmology departments with experience of leading and managing NHS retinal services in the intravitreal era came together for the generation of this document to review and compile key aspects that should be considered when optimising intravitreal treatment capacity within MR services. This article aims to provide a useful collation and signposting of key published evidence, consensus and insights on aspects of delivering an intravitreal service, including treatment regimens, virtual clinics, staff training and governance, telemedicine and information technology, and data collection and key performance indicators. The objective is to equip ophthalmologic healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to develop and adapt their local service in the face of current and projected increased demand.

Link to full-text [open access  - no password required]

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK): first UK prospective study of 1-year visual outcomes, graft survival and endothelial cell count (2015)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Robert A Reid, *Ewan A Craig, *Hanif Suleman

Citation:
British Journal of Ophthalmology, February 2015, vol./is. 99/2(166-169), 0007-1161;1468-2079 (01 Feb 2015)

Abstract:

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in the treatment of patients with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy.

Methods: This prospective study involved 16 consecutive patients who had DMEK done and who were evaluated over a year. Measurements included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell count, and central corneal thickness.

Results: Two patients had failed grafts. Of the remaining 14 patients with successful grafts, after 12 months, 79% had BCVA of 6/6 or better, and all patients had a BCVA of 6/9 or better. Median endothelial cell count was 1567 cells per mm2 (range=900–2359) representing a 40% reduction compared with preoperative counts. Median central corneal thickness was 498 µm (range 445–567 µm) compared with a median of 649 µm (range 548–740 µm) preoperatively. All patients attained total visual rehabilitation without further surgical intervention.

Conclusions: In our experience, DMEK has the potential to become the primary procedure for treating Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy and endothelial disease as it produces rapid total visual rehabilitation with few complications, and an easy follow-up and management regimen. Donor preparation and graft insertion, however, remain important challenges.