An ophthalmology professionalism survey tool: Outcomes from a multi-center study in Central India

Purpose: To describe a professionalism survey tool and its use to assess knowledge of medical professionalism in ophthalmology training programs in Central India. Settings and Design: Multi?center survey study. Methods: A validated 33?question, scenario?based survey addressing professionalism attributes was administered at five centers in central India. The attributes tested included “personal characteristics,” “physician–patient relationships,” “workplace practice and relationships,” and “socially responsible behaviors.” A mean attribute score (%) was calculated and compared to “gold standard” responses by a group of expert senior ophthalmologists (100% agreement for responses). Results: A total of 225 participants completed the survey; 124 residents, 47 fellows, and 54 consultants (98.4% response rate). The total mean attribute score was 80.7 ± 9.1 (min 16.67, max 100). There was variation in the mean attribute score by professionalism attribute (P < 0.001), and a trend toward higher mean attribute scores for consultants compared to trainees across all attribute groups. The scores for “personal characteristics” (93 ± 9.7) and “physician?patient relationship” (82 ± 15.8) were the highest, whereas scores for “socially responsible behaviors” (73.9 ± 18.6) and “workplace practices” were low (72 ± 13). Conclusions: There is a generally high level of professionalism knowledge among ophthalmologists in central India. The results suggest that experience does impact knowledge of professionalism. Potential for improvement in professionalism exists in around "workplace practices", and around "socially responsible behaviors". These findings may serve as a valuable discussion starter and teaching tool to enhance professionalism in ophthalmology training programs.

Knowledge and perception of health-care professionals on clinical trials in India: A pan-Indian cross-sectional survey

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of health-care professionals (HCPs), such as doctors/surgeons, pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, and lab technicians, on clinical trials (CTs) in India. Methods: The study was a pan-Indian cross-sectional survey initiated by the Indian Ophthalmology Clinical Trial Network (IOCTN) by using a previously validated questionnaire for three months of data collection. An online survey was used to record information regarding demographics, CT knowledge, and CT perception among HCPs. Results: A total of 630 responses were recorded from HCPs: 207 doctors and surgeons, 159 pharmacists, and 264 laboratory technicians, nurses, and optometrists across India. Over 90% of HCPs had a clear knowledge on the purpose of CTs, the informed consent (IC) process, ethical approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). About 80% and 90% were aware of confidentiality of patients, voluntariness of participation, and good clinical practice. Surprisingly, less than 50% had lesser knowledge regarding monetary incentives of CT participants (CTPs). A slightly positive perception was observed regarding the potential benefits of CTPs, compensation related to injury, and importance of obtaining IC. Less than 50% had a negative perception that monetary compensation to CTPs led to bias and deprivation of standard treatments. However, no significant difference was observed between other aspects of demographics and perception regarding CTs. Conclusion: We observed doctors and surgeons to be having the highest regarding CTs, followed by pharmacists. The survey highlighted the necessity of scheduling awareness programs among the HCPs, which would improve their misconceptions and perception of CTs while interacting with patients for CT enrollment.

Central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness changes on spectral domain optical coherence tomography after cataract surgery in pediatric population

Purpose: To evaluate the central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) changes on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD?OCT) after cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in a pediatric population. Methods: This was a longitudinal, prospective, interventional study which included 90 pediatric patients who underwent cataract extraction with IOL implantation. Serial SD?OCT scans were done at postoperative day 1, 1?month, and 3?month follow?up. CMT and SFCT were measured at each visit. Results: A statistically significant increase in CMT was noted at 1 month (from 199.3 ?m to 210.04 ?m) post surgery, which declined over a 3?month period (202.70 ?m, P = 0.0001). In case of SFCT, a constant increase was observed for over 3 months of follow?up (baseline: 296.52 ?m; 1 month: 309.04 ?m; and 3 months: 319.03 ?m, P = 0.0001). The traumatic cataract group showed more pronounced changes in CMT and SFCT than the non?traumatic cataract group. No significant difference was observed regarding these parameters between those who underwent primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) versus those who did not. None of the patients in the study group developed cystoid macular edema. These posterior segment–related anatomical changes did not affect the final visual outcomes. Conclusion: Cataract surgery induces potential inflammatory changes in the macula and choroid in pediatric patients. Such changes are more pronounced in trauma?related cases; however, they are not significant enough to affect the visual outcomes. Similarly, the additional surgical step of PPC does not induce significant anatomical or functional changes

Coloboma associated retinal detachment: Anatomical and functional results in the era of microincision vitrectomy surgery with an evaluation of risk factors for a recurrence

Purpose: To analyze the anatomical and visual outcomes of microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) with silicone oil tamponade in eyes having coloboma?related retinal detachment (RD) and evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of RD. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentric analysis of eyes having coloboma RD undergoing MIVS with silicone oil tamponade between March 2010 and July 2018. Results: We evaluated 148 eyes of 144 patients. The mean age of presentation was 17.4 ± 9.8 years (range: 2–65 years) and the mean follow?up duration was 13.1 ± 13.8 months (range: 3–84 months). The single operation success rate was 88.5% (131 eyes), with an overall successful outcome achieved in 90.5% (134 eyes). Recurrence of RD occurred in 17 eyes (11.5%) over a mean duration of 2.59 ± 3 months. The risk of recurrence was found to be higher in eyes where relaxing retinectomy (RR) was performed (odds ratio [OR]: 3.22; P = 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in vision was noted in the majority of cases from logMAR 1.85 ± 0.34 preoperatively to logMAR 1.33 ± 0.6 post?surgery (P = 0.002). Conclusion: MIVS with silicone oil tamponade provided an anatomical success rate of 90.5% in eyes with coloboma RD with a significant improvement in visual acuity. Eyes in which RR was performed were susceptible to higher rates of re?detachment.

Safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide for the management of serous choroidal detachment prior to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: A Pilot study

Purpose: To study the safety and efficacy of pre?operative suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCTA) for achieving reduction/resolution of serous choroidal detachment (CD) associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: This was a prospective, noncomparative, interventional pilot study. All consecutive patients presenting with RD and coexisting CD underwent transconjunctival injection of SCTA before proceeding with vitrectomy/scleral buckle surgery. Sequential ultrasound B scans were performed for assessing the change in height of the CD. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 53.8 � 10.8 years (range: 39� years). The CD was present in a median of 3 quadrants; the cumulative mean CD height was 5.59 mm (range: 2.02�42 mm). Following SCTA, a successful response (>50% reduction) was seen in five eyes by day 3 and in two eyes by day 5. Three eyes failed to respond to SCTA and required surgical drainage before proceeding with vitrectomy. No intraprocedural injection?related complications were noted. A transient rise in the intraocular pressure (30 mmHg) was seen in one eye following vitrectomy and was managed successfully with topical antiglaucoma medications. Conclusion: Suprachoroidal administration of triamcinolone appears to be a safe and effective technique to achieve CD resolution in eyes with RRD.

Outcomes and risk factors for failure of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in children with traumatic glaucoma - A retrospective study

Purpose: To determine surgical outcomes and risk factors for failure of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (TMMC) in pediatric traumatic glaucoma. Methods: Children who underwent TMMC post trauma from January 2014 to December 2019 were reviewed. Demographic features, ocular findings, and surgery details were noted. Surgical success was defined as achieving intraocular pressure (IOP) within 6–21 mm Hg. Results: Seventy?one eyes of seventy patients underwent TMMC. The mean age of the patients was 11.28 ± 3.63 years with a male/female ratio of 13:1. The median time from trauma to IOP rise was 13 days. The majority of the patients (n = 64, 90.1%) had close globe injury. Baseline IOP was 39.3 ± 10.5 mm Hg. Results of the surgery were noted at the last visit. Cumulative success was noted in 51 (71.8%) eyes, while 20 (28.2%) eyes were labeled failures. Mean IOP reduced from 39.3 ± 10.5 to 14.5 ± 8.1 mm Hg. Mean visual acuity improved from 2.3 ± 0.93 to 1.19 ± 1.08 logMAR. Post surgery, the mean follow?up of the patients was 20.3 ± 11.4 months. Age <6 years (RR 3.6), elevated IOP at 1 month after TMMC (RR 2.19), and hypotony within a week of surgery (RR 1.81) were found as independent risk factors of surgical failure. Conclusion: TMMC is effective in reducing IOP in traumatic glaucoma. Young age and inability to control IOP within normal ranges in the immediate period after surgery are important risk factors of failure.

A study regarding efficacy of various intraocular lens power calculation formulas in a subset of Indian myopic population.

Efficacy of intraocular lens power calculation formulas in a subset of Indian myopic population. Retrospectively reviewed 43 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with high axial length (AL) (>24.5 mm, range 24.75‑32.35 mm). The power of the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) was used to calculate the predicted post‑operative refractive error by four formulas: Sanders‑Retzlaff‑Kraff (SRK II), SRK/T, Holladay 1, and Hoffer Q. The predictive accuracy of the formulas was analyzed by comparing the difference between the “actual” and “predicted” postoperative refractive errors. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were done to have pair‑wise comparisons between the formulas and P < 0.05 was considered significant. A subcategory of axial length 24.5‑26.5 mm was also tested. Holladay 1, Hoffer Q and SRK/T formulas showed a slight tendency toward resultant hyperopia, with mean error of +0.24 diopters (D), +0.58 D, and +0.92 D, respectively. The Holladay 1 formula provided the best predictive result overall.