ABSTRACT
Quality assurance (QA) is the maintenance of a desired level of quality in a service, by means of attention to every stage of process of delivery. Correct image acquisition along with accurate and reproducible quantification of ophthalmic imaging is crucial for evaluating disease progression/stabilization, response to therapy, and planning proper management of these cases. QA includes development of standard operating procedures for the collection of data for ophthalmic imaging, proper functioning of the ophthalmic imaging equipment, and intensive training of technicians/doctors for the same. QA can be obtained during ophthalmic imaging by not only calibration and setting up of the instrument as per the manufacturer's specifications but also giving proper instructions to the patients in a language which they understand and by acquisition of good quality images. This review article will highlight on how to achieve QA in imaging which is commonly being used in ophthalmic practice.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To classify Avellino corneal dystrophy (ACD) into 3 groups by slit lamp photography and to evaluate the inter-group differences. METHODS: DNA analysis was performed in one member from each of 45 families who were clinically diagnosed as ACD. Corneal opacities were classified into mild (group I), moderate (group II), and severe (group III) based on slit lamp photograph. RESULTS: Six patients were confirmed as homozygous ACD and ninety-two as heterozygous ACD. One homozygous patient was revealed to have a novel phenotype. The age increased with increasing severity, and the proportion of females in group III was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (p=0.001). The prevalence of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) increased in group III (p=0.001), and the incidence of pterygium increased in group I compared with the other two groups (p=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: ACD was aggravated with age, while pterygium and LASIK altered the natural course of ACD.