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.

Phaco-handpiece used as a Fragmatome for managing nucleus drop

Background: Nucleus drop during cataract surgery is a dreaded complication and requires urgent vitreo?retinal intervention which is managed commonly using a fragmatome. However, a fragmatome is not readily available in routine ophthalmology set?ups because its use is very limited. On the other hand, a phaco?probe is commonly available with all surgeons and makes it cost?effective. Purpose: The purpose is to demonstrate the utility of a phaco?probe as an alternative to a fragmatome in managing nucleus drop during cataract surgery, making it cost?effective and less time?consuming and simple. Synopsis: The video shows two cases of complicated cataract surgery in which a nucleus is dropped in the vitreous cavity. The sleeve of the phaco?probe was removed, and infusion was disconnected to make it function as a fragmatome. We noted reduced lenticular repulsion from the phaco?handpiece tip as compared to the fragmatome, and no scleral burns were observed. The cases were completed by secondary placement of an intra?ocular lens in the sulcus in the same sitting. Thus, the phaco?probe can be considered to manage nucleus drop in the absence of a fragmatome. Highlights: A phaco?probe can be used as an alternative to a framgamtome, which is a cost?effective and simple technique.

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.