Optometry student clinical practice at public health facilities: A systematic review.

Background: Clinical training, supervision and practice are the most important aspects of health profession education, including optometry. Institutions implore various methods for students to gain access, exposure and experience in different clinical environments, away from their normal academic settings. Aim: This review aimed to investigate studies and related documentary evidence to determine existing standards and methods for educational institutions in conducting optometry clinical training at the external sites. Setting: The electronic databases - ProQuest One, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Sabinet, Science Direct and Google Scholar - were searched systematically for studies on the implementation of workplace clinical training of undergraduate optometry students. Methods: The study followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic review methodology and a systematic search of various electronic databases was conducted for studies on implementation of workplace clinical training. Of the 450 full-text studies searched, 13 studies were found to be reputable sources of evidence and were included in this systematic review. Results: Four themes relating to student clinical training emerged, namely, clinical training approaches implemented, expected minimum standards at the training sites, clinical training environment wherein students and supervisors find themselves and clinical competence of the supervisors and students. They encompass important factors to consider in the planning and provision of quality, efficient and effective student clinical supervision at the external training facilities. Conclusion: There is a dearth of scholarly studies to guide clinical training of optometry training within the public health sector. However, more studies are undertaken in other health disciplines, and they provide generic guidelines, which can be adapted for optometry. Contribution: The article highlights the need for further studies in optometry student clinical training, focussing on programme designs and standardisation of clinical training in multi-institutional, low-income contexts.

Teaching through their eyes: effects on optometry teachers' adaptivity and students' learning when teachers see students' gaze.

Adaptive teacher support fosters effective learning in one-to-one teaching sessions, which are a common way of learning complex visual tasks in the health sciences. Adaptive support is tailored to student needs, and this is difficult in complex visual tasks as visual problem-solving processes are covert and thus cannot be directly observed by the teacher. Eye-tracking apparatus can measure covert processes and make them visible in gaze displays: visualizations of where a student looks while executing a task. We investigate whether live dynamic gaze displays help teachers in being more adaptive to students' needs when teaching optical coherence tomography interpretation in one-to-one teaching sessions and whether this fosters learning. Forty-nine students and 10 teachers participated in a one-to-one teaching session in clinical optometry. In the control condition, teachers saw the learning task of the student and could discuss it with them, whereas in the gaze-display condition, teachers could additionally see where the student looked. After the 15-minute teaching session, a test was administered to examine achievement. Furthermore, students filled in the 'questionnaire on teacher support adaptivity', and teachers rated how adaptive their support was. Bayesian analyses provide some initial evidence that students did not experience support to be more adaptive in the gaze-display condition versus the control condition, nor were their post-test scores higher. Teachers rated their provided support as being more adaptive in the gaze-display versus the control condition. Further research could investigate if live dynamic gaze displays impact adaptive teaching when used over longer periods or with more teacher training.

Using Smartphones to Enhance Vision Screening in Rural Areas: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: While it is treatable, uncorrected refractive error is the number one cause of visual impairment worldwide. This eye condition alone, or together with ocular misalignment, can also cause amblyopia, which is also treatable if detected early but still occurs in about 4% of the population. Mass vision screening is the first and most critical step to address these issues, but due to limited resources, vision screening in many rural areas remains a major challenge. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to pilot-test the feasibility of using smartphone apps to enhance vision screening in areas where access to eye care is limited. METHODS: A vision screening program was piggybacked on a charity summer camp program in a rural county in Sichuan, China. A total of 73 fourth and fifth graders were tested for visual acuity using a standard eye chart and were then tested for refractive error and heterophoria using 2 smartphone apps (a refraction app and a strabismus app, respectively) by nonprofessional personnel. RESULTS: A total of 5 of 73 (6.8%, 95% CI 2.3%-15.3%) students were found to have visual acuity worse than 20/20 (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] 0) in at least one eye. Among the 5 students, 3 primarily had refractive error according to the refraction app. The other 2 students had manifest strabismus (one with 72-prism diopter [PD] esotropia and one with 33-PD exotropia) according to the strabismus app. Students without manifest strabismus were also measured for phoria using the strabismus app in cover/uncover mode. The median phoria was 0.0-PD (IQR 2.9-PD esophoria to 2.2-PD exophoria). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this vision screening study are consistent with findings from other population-based vision screening studies in which conventional tools were used by ophthalmic professionals. The smartphone apps are promising and have the potential to be used in mass vision screenings for identifying risk factors for amblyopia and for myopia control. The smartphone apps may have significant implications for the future of low-cost vision care, particularly in resource-constrained and geographically remote areas.

Sistema de competencias laborales para tecnólogos de la salud licenciados en Optometría y Óptica / Job competency system for health technologists licensed in Optometry and Optics

Fundamento: la calidad de un servicio de salud parte del nivel de la competencia y desempeño de sus trabajadores en el cumplimiento de sus funciones laborales y sociales. Objetivo: elaborar un sistema de competencias laborales para tecnólogos de la salud licenciados en Optometría y Óptica. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo tecnológico en el campo de la educación médica, durante enero 2021- enero 2022 en instituciones del nivel secundario del municipio Holguín. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos que permitieron la triangulación metodológica de los resultados. Se tuvo en cuenta el criterio de especialistas para la valoración del sistema de competencias elaborado. Resultados: se identificaron insuficiencias para ejecutar procederes óptico-optométricos, limitada participación en actividades científico investigativas, baja categorización docente e investigativa, debilidades en la función profesor-tutor y escasa actividad de superación permanente. Se elaboró un sistema de competencias laborales para tecnólogos de la salud licenciados en Optometría y Óptica diseñadas en correspondencia con el ejercicio de sus funciones. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico realizado demostró la necesidad de un sistema de competencias laborales para contribuir al perfeccionamiento del desempeño laboral de estos profesionales, el cual fue valorado como factible, pertinente y útil de ser aplicado.

Background: the quality of a health service is based on the level of competence and performance of its workers in fulfilling their job and social functions. Objective: to develop a system of job skills for health technologists Bachelors in Optometry and Optics. Methods: a technological development investigation was carried out in the field of medical education, from January 2021 to January 2022 in secondary level institutions of the Holguín municipality. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were used that allowed the methodological contrast of the results. The criteria of specialists was taken into account for the assessment of the developed competency system. Results: insufficiencies were identified to carry out optical-optometric procedures, limited participation in scientific research activities, low teaching and research ranking, weaknesses in the teacher-tutor function and little permanent improvement activity. A system of job competencies was developed for health technologists with degrees in Optometry and Optics designed in accordance with the exercise of their duties. Conclusions: the diagnosis carried out demonstrated the need for a system of work competencies to contribute to the improvement of the work performance of these professionals, which was valued as feasible, relevant and useful to be applied.

La queratometría como variable predictora de la ametropía: un estudio diagnóstico en la población escolarizada de 5 a 19 años de la ciudad de pereira

Objetivo: determinar la relación entre la curvatura corneal y los defectos de refracción en la población estudiantil de 5 a 19 años de la ciudad de Pereira en el año 2014. Materiales y métodos: el tipo de estudio es observacional correlacional descriptivo. Se indica el modelo de regresión lineal simple entre la queratometría y la retinoscopía. Se evaluó el error refractivo en 915 estudiantes de Pereira mediante retinoscopía estática y queratometría. Resultados: el valor cilíndrico obtenido para el ojo derecho (OD) oscila entre -0,12 y -5,50 dpt, mientras que para el ojo izquierdo (OI), el valor oscila entre -0,12 y -6,12 dpt. El 86,6% del meridiano eje (ME) del OD está entre 38,00 y 43,88 dpt, en tanto que el 87,2% del ME del OI se encuentra entre 32,00 y 43,88 dpt. La ametropía positiva para el OD está entre 0,25 y 8,00 dpt; para el OI en 0,25 y 7,50dpt. La ametropía negativa está en 6,00 para el OD y 6,50 dpt para el OI como valores máximos. En relación a la curvatura corneal y a las ametropías, el OD muestra una correlación de Pearson negativa, de -0,21 (p=0.0001). En el OI la correlación de Pearson también es negativa, de -0,20 (p=0.0001). Por lo tanto, la relación encontrada entre estas dos variables es tan solo del 5,1% y un 4,7% para OD y OI, respectivamente. Conclusiones: la relación entre la curvatura corneal y los errores de refracción según este modelo solo explica un porcentaje insignificante que no tiene importancia clínica, es del 4,9% en promedio del valor obtenido en el error refractivo en ambos ojos. Por ello, no es posible hacer una predicción de los errores refractivos con base en el radio de la curvatura corneal.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between corneal curvature and refractive errors in schooled population between the ages of 5 to 19 in the city of Pereira in 2014. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive correlational observational study, in which the simple linear regression model between keratometry and retinoscopy is indicated. Through static retinoscopy and keratometry, refractive error was evaluated in 915 students of Pereira. Results: The cylindrical value obtained for the RE (right eye) oscillates between -0.12 and -5.50 dpt and for the LI (left eye) -0.12 and -6.12 dpt, where 86.6% of the Axis (ME in Spanish) RE is between 38.00 and 43.88dpt, while 87.2% of Axis LE is between 32.00 and 43.88dpt. The positive ametropia for the RE is between 0.25 and 8.00dpt, for the LE 0.25 and 7.50dpt, the negative in RE 6.00 and OI 6.50dpt as maximum values. In relation to corneal curvature and ametropias, the RE shows a negative Pearson correlation of -0.21 (p = 0.0001). In the LE the Pearson correlation is also negative, of -0.20 (p = 0.0001). Therefore, the relationship found between these two variables is only 5.1% and 4.7% for RE and LE respectively. Conclusions: The relationship between corneal curvature and refractive errors according to this model only explains an insignificant percentage that does not have clinical importance, it is a 4.9% on average of the value obtained in the refractive error in both eyes, therefore, it does not allow a prediction of refractive errors based on the radius of corneal curvature.

Objetivo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a relação entre a curvatura da córnea e erros de refração na população estudantil de 5 a 19 anos de idade na cidade de Pereira em 2014. Materiais e Métodos. 0 tipo de estudo é descritivo correlacional observacional, no qual o modelo de regressão linear simples entre ceratometria e retinoscopia é indicado. Por meio de retinoscopia estática e ceratometria, o erro refrativo foi avaliado em 915 estudantes de Pereira. Resultados. O valor cilíndrico obtido para o OD (olho direito) é entre -0,12 e -5,50dpt e para o OI (olho esquerdo) e -0,12dpt e -6,12, onde 86,6% do Meridiano Eje (ME) OD está entre 38,00 e 43,88dpt, enquanto que 87,2% do ME 01 está entre 32,00 e 43,88dpt. A ametropia positiva para o OD está entre 0,25 e 8,00dpt, para o OI 0,25 e 7,50dpt, a ametropia negativa em OD 6,00 e OI 6,50dpt como valores máximos. Em relação à curvatura corneana e ametropias, o OD mostra uma correlação negativa de Pearson de -0,21 (p = 0,0001). No OI, a correlação de Pearson também é negativa, de -0,20 (p = 0,0001). Portanto, a relação encontrada entre essas duas variáveis é de apenas 5,1% e 4,7% para OD e OI, respectivamente. Conclusões. A relação entre a curvatura corneana e os erros refra-tivos de acordo com este modelo explica apenas uma percentagem insignificante de nenhuma importância clínica, é de 4,9%, em média, do valor obtido no erro refrativo em ambos os olhos, de modo que, não permite fazer uma previsão de erros refrativos com base no raio da curvatura corneana.

Origen y evolución de la optometría y la óptica en Cuba y en el mundo

Al revisar la historia de la optometría y la óptica se encuentra que ha tenido procesos de cambio y evolución, debido a la preocupación por la salud visual que ha venido deteriorándose al transcurrir de los años. Para mostrar dichos cambios se realizó una revisión teórica-histórica del origen y la evolución de la optometría y la óptica. Se tuvo en cuenta los datos que han sido de avance científico, tecnológico y humanístico, no solo en la antigüedad sino también en la actualidad, los cuales han servido para mejorar el desarrollo de nuestra actividad profesional y consecuentemente al mejoramiento del bienestar social. Fueron innumerables los hombres que enriquecieron nuestros conocimientos con sus aportes, por lo cual se ha necesitado de muchos siglos de lenta y progresiva evolución para llegar a ser lo que es hoy en día, una ciencia con todas las bases de la óptica, la anatomía y la fisiología de la visión la cual se rige por leyes que nos permiten un conocimiento más exacto de ella. El objetivo es valorar el proceso de origen y evolución de la optometría y la óptica en Cuba y el mundo.

When reviewing the history of optometry and optics, it is found that it has undergone processes of change and evolution, due to the concern for visual health that has been deteriorating over the years. In order to show these changes, a theoretical-historical review of the origin and evolution of optometry and optics was carried out. We took into account the data that have been of scientific, technological and humanistic progress, not only in ancient times but also at present, which have served to improve the development of our professional activity and consequently to the improvement of social welfare. There were countless men who enriched our knowledge with their contributions, so it has taken many centuries of slow and progressive evolution to become what it is today, a science with all the bases of optics, anatomy and physiology of vision which is governed by laws that allow us a more accurate knowledge of it. The objective is to evaluate the process of origin and evolution of optometry and optics in Cuba and the world.

Los tecnólogos en Optometría y Óptica y su desempeño profesional

Introducción: Esta investigación se articula en el modelo de educación superior y el modelo sanitario que se aplica en Cuba, acorde con las necesidades cada vez más crecientes del hombre en relación directa con su entorno socioeconómico, cultural, científico-tecnológico y ecológico. Objetivo: Valorar el estado actual del desempeño profesional de los tecnólogos en Optometría y Óptica de La Habana. Materiales y métodos: La investigación es cuantitativa, no experimental, observacional y prospectiva. Se trabajó con 200 tecnólogos en Optometría y Óptica, que constituyen el 100 % de la población. Para el desarrollo se identificaron cuatro dimensiones, entre las que se encuentran la aplicación de los procederes tecnológicos ópticos y optométricos; producción intelectual: se establece la actuación manifestada en la expresión de conocimientos y habilidades actualizados; comportamiento ético: se entiende por la actuación manifestada en la expresión de habilidades comunicativas y valores; y crecimiento profesional, referido a la actuación manifestada en la expresión de habilidades investigativas. Resultados: El 100 % aborda las funciones en la asistencia, y solo el 10 % declara tener tiempo para investigar; 25 % de ellos han participado en algún curso, el 12 % en diplomado, y solo cuatro poseen maestría; 25 % establece tener dominio en la manipulación de los equipos; entre el 10 y el 20 % no presentan problemas. Conclusiones: Se identificaron insuficiencias en las dimensiones que se establecieron relacionadas con la superación y la aplicación de los procederes tecnológicos.

Introduction: This research is articulated in the higher education model and the health model that is applied in Cuba, in accordance with the increasingly growing needs of man in direct relation with his socioeconomic, cultural, scientific, technological and ecological environment. Objective: To assess the current status of the professional performance of technologists in Optometry and Optics of Havana. Materials and methods: The research is quantitative, not experimental, observational and prospective. The authors worked with 200 technologists in Optometry and Optics, who were 100% of the population. Four dimensions were identified for the development, among which are the application of optical technological procedures and optometric; intellectual production: the performance manifested in the expression of updated knowledge and skills is established; ethical behaviour means the action expressed in the expression of communicative skills and values; and professional growth, referring to the performance manifested in the expression of investigative skills. Results: 100% address the functions in assistance and only 10% declare they have time to research[ 25% of them have participated in some course, 12% in a diploma and only four have a master's degree; 25% state that they have mastery in handling the equipment, between 10% and 20% do not present problems. Conclusions: Insufficiencies were identified in the dimensions that were established related to improvement and the application of technological procedures.

Quality of Refractive Error Care in Cambodia: An Unannounced Standardized Patient Study.

PURPOSE: Quality-of-care in refractive error services is essential, as it directly affects vision outcomes, wellbeing, educational attainment, and workforce participation. In Cambodia, uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of mild and moderate vision impairment in adults. We evaluated the quality of refractive error care in Cambodia by estimating the proportion of prescribed and dispensed spectacles appropriate for people's refractive error needs and factors associated with spectacle quality. METHODS: A cross-sectional protocol was employed with 18 Khmer-speaking adult participants observing testing procedures in 156 optical services across six provinces in 2022. A total of 496 dispensed spectacles were assessed against spectacle quality indicators. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that 35.1% of dispensed spectacles were of optimal quality. The most common error observed in sub-optimal spectacles was the presence of horizontal prism outside of tolerance limits. The study also found that 44.0% of emmetrope visits involved unnecessary prescription spectacle recommendations, and 18.3% of written prescriptions did not correspond with dispensed spectacles. Sex differences were observed, with men predominantly providing refractive error care and women more likely to be unnecessarily recommended prescription spectacles. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing quality-of-care in refractive error services. A key recommendation is to consider regulatory mechanisms to ensure optical services employ appropriately qualified staff. Additionally, efforts should be made to eliminate unnecessary prescriptions -- especially for emmetropes and females -- standardize written prescriptions, ensure consistent pupil distance measurements, reduce reliance on autorefraction, and address the gender imbalance in the refractive error workforce.

Clinical reading-related oculomotor assessment in visual snow syndrome / Evaluación oculomotora clínica relacionada con la lectura en el síndrome de nieve visual

Purpose: Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a complex neurological condition presenting with an array of sensory, motor, and perceptual dysfunctions and related visual and non-visual symptoms. Recent laboratory studies have found subtle, basic, saccadic-based abnormalities in this population. The objective of the present investigation was to determine if saccadic-related problems could be confirmed and extended using three common clinical reading-related eye movement tests having well-developed protocols and normative databases. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 32 patients (ages 16–56 years) diagnosed with VSS in the first author's optometric practice. There was a battery of three reading-related tests: the Visagraph Reading Eye Movement Test, the Developmental Eye Movement (DEM) Test, and the RightEye Dynamic Vision Assessment Test, all performed using their standard documented protocols and large normative databases. Results: A high frequency of oculomotor deficits was found with all three tests. The greatest percentage was revealed with the Visagraph (56%) and the least with the RightEye (23%). A total of 77% of patients failed at least one of the three tests. Conclusion: The present findings confirm and extend earlier investigations revealing a high frequency of saccadic-based oculomotor problems in the VSS population, now including reading-related tasks. This is consistent with the more general oculomotor/motor problems found in these individuals.(AU)

Optometry students' experiences of their clinical training: A qualitative study in a low- resource setting.

Background: There is a gradual increase in the number of optometry education programs in low resource settings yet there is limited knowledge on optometry students' experiences of their clinical training. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the optometry students' experiences of their clinical learning environment at a national referral and teaching hospital within a low resource setting. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative design using face to face in-depth interviews to explore experiences of the participants. All 16 optometry students in fourth-year at university were purposefully recruited into the study. Data was collected at the end of the students' clinical training at the eye clinic of a national referral and teaching hospital. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Two themes, learning at the eye clinic and organization of the eye clinic, were identified to represent participants' experiences. Each theme had three sub themes. Conclusion: The students' experiences in a clinical learning environment take a transformative nature from initial hesitancy and feelings of inferiority, anxiety, uncertainty and nervousness to increased confidence and active engagement. Future studies should compare optometry students' experiences in lower-level health units to those in national referrals hospitals.

The burden of acute eye conditions on different healthcare providers: a retrospective population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The demand for acute eyecare exponentially outstrips capacity. The public lacks awareness of community eyecare services. AIM: To quantify the burden of acute eyecare on different healthcare service providers in a national population through prescribing and medicines provision by GPs, optometrists, and pharmacists, and provision of care by accident and emergency (A&E) services. A secondary aim was to characterise some of the drivers of this burden. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective data-linkage study set in Wales, UK. METHOD: Analysis of datasets was undertaken from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank (GP and A&E), the Eye Health Examination Wales service (optometry), and the Common Ailments Scheme (pharmacy) during 2017-2018. RESULTS: A total of 173 999 acute eyecare episodes delivered by GPs (168 877 episodes) and A&E services (5122) were identified during the study. This resulted in 65.4 episodes of care per 1000 people per year. GPs prescribed a total of 87 973 653 prescriptions within the general population. Of these, 820 693 were related to acute eyecare, resulting in a prescribing rate of 0.9%. A total of 5122 eye-related and 905 224 general A&E attendances were identified, respectively, resulting in an A&E attendance rate of 0.6%. Optometrists and pharmacists managed 51.8% (116 868) and 0.6% (2635) of all episodes, respectively. Older females and infants of both sexes were more likely to use GP prescribing services, while adolescent and middle-aged males were more likely to visit A&E. GP prescribing burden was driven partially by economic deprivation, access to services, and health score. Season, day of the week, and time of day were predictors of burden in GP and A&E. CONCLUSION: Acute eyecare continues to place considerable burden on GP and A&E services in Wales, particularly in urban areas with greater economic deprivation and lower overall health. This is likely to increase with a rapidly ageing population. With ongoing pathway development to better utilise optometry and pharmacy, and improved public awareness, there may be scope to change this trajectory.

Barriers to the Diagnosis and Management of Keratoconus Among Optometrists in Kenya.

Background: Early diagnosis and management of keratoconus (KC) are important for limiting visual complications of the disease. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of optometrists on the barriers to effective diagnosis and management of KC in Kenya. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to optometrists in Kenya to collect data on barriers to the diagnosis and management of KC. Results: The majority (60.9%) of optometrists were confident in retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Fewer were confident in the use of keratometers (46.4%) and corneal topographers (24.9%) and in the fitting of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses (25.0%). The most commonly reported barriers to improving their knowledge and skills were, limited continuous professional development opportunities (87.4%), high costs of conferences (86.1%) and the lack of diagnostic tools (79.5%). Impediments cited to diagnosing and managing KC effectively were a lack of national guidelines (64.9%), patient education material (71.5%), equipment (58.9%) and RGP supply (68.2%) and cost (67.5%). Most commonly reported barriers related to patients were compliance (91.4%), affordability (90.7%), RGP discomfort (89.4%), willingness to pay (88.1%) and the lack of patient education about KC (87.4%). Conclusion: This study showed that the lack of national guidelines, essential equipment and adequate practitioner knowledge and skills were barriers to KC diagnosis and management. Regulation of optometric education and clinical practice, development of national guidelines for diagnosis and management of KC, up-skilling of practitioners and cost-effective solutions for equipment procurement and maintenance may improve both access to, and quality of, care to patients with KC.

Utility of artificial intelligence-based large language models in ophthalmic care.

PURPOSE: With the introduction of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI)-based large language models (LLMs) are rapidly becoming popular within the scientific community. They use natural language processing to generate human-like responses to queries. However, the application of LLMs and comparison of the abilities among different LLMs with their human counterparts in ophthalmic care remain under-reported. RECENT FINDINGS: Hitherto, studies in eye care have demonstrated the utility of ChatGPT in generating patient information, clinical diagnosis and passing ophthalmology question-based examinations, among others. LLMs' performance (median accuracy, %) is influenced by factors such as the iteration, prompts utilised and the domain. Human expert (86%) demonstrated the highest proficiency in disease diagnosis, while ChatGPT-4 outperformed others in ophthalmology examinations (75.9%), symptom triaging (98%) and providing information and answering questions (84.6%). LLMs exhibited superior performance in general ophthalmology but reduced accuracy in ophthalmic subspecialties. Although AI-based LLMs like ChatGPT are deemed more efficient than their human counterparts, these AIs are constrained by their nonspecific and outdated training, no access to current knowledge, generation of plausible-sounding 'fake' responses or hallucinations, inability to process images, lack of critical literature analysis and ethical and copyright issues. A comprehensive evaluation of recently published studies is crucial to deepen understanding of LLMs and the potential of these AI-based LLMs. SUMMARY: Ophthalmic care professionals should undertake a conservative approach when using AI, as human judgement remains essential for clinical decision-making and monitoring the accuracy of information. This review identified the ophthalmic applications and potential usages which need further exploration. With the advancement of LLMs, setting standards for benchmarking and promoting best practices is crucial. Potential clinical deployment requires the evaluation of these LLMs to move away from artificial settings, delve into clinical trials and determine their usefulness in the real world.

Frequency and associated factors of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among medical university students.

AIM: To investigate the frequency and associated factors of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction among medical university students. METHODS: Totally 158 student volunteers underwent routine vision examination in the optometry clinic of Guangxi Medical University. Their data were used to identify the different types of accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunction and to determine their frequency. Correlation analysis and logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with these abnormalities. RESULTS: The results showed that 36.71% of the subjects had accommodation and non-strabismic binocular vision issues, with 8.86% being attributed to accommodation dysfunction and 27.85% to binocular abnormalities. Convergence insufficiency (CI) was the most common abnormality, accounting for 13.29%. Those with these abnormalities experienced higher levels of eyestrain (χ2=69.518, P<0.001). The linear correlations were observed between the difference of binocular spherical equivalent (SE) and the index of horizontal esotropia at a distance (r=0.231, P=0.004) and the asthenopia survey scale (ASS) score (r=0.346, P<0.001). Furthermore, the right eye's SE was inversely correlated with the convergence of positive and negative fusion images at close range (r=-0.321, P<0.001), the convergence of negative fusion images at close range (r=-0.294, P<0.001), the vergence facility (VF; r=-0.234, P=0.003), and the set of negative fusion images at far range (r=-0.237, P=0.003). Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, age, and the difference in right and binocular SE did not influence the emergence of these abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Binocular vision abnormalities are more prevalent than accommodation dysfunction, with CI being the most frequent type. Greater binocular refractive disparity leads to more severe eyestrain symptoms.

Gender distribution in publishing in five leading optometry journals.

PURPOSE: To explore gender distribution in authorship and citation parameters of articles published in five optometry journals included in the Ophthalmology category of Journal Citation Reports. METHODS: The Scopus database was used to retrieve all citable articles published in 2011 and 2021 in Optometry and Vision Science, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, Clinical Experimental Optometry, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, and Eye and Contact Lens. Gender of the first, last and single authors of all articles, and citation parameters of articles published in 2011 up to May 2023 were determined. Gender of the editor-in-chief and members of the editorial board of these journals was investigated (May 2023). RESULTS: Only one journal had a female editor-in-chief and three journals had more males than females in their editorial board. In 2011 and 2021, respectively, 40.1% and 48.0% of articles had female as the first authors ( χ 1 , 948 2 = 5.77; p = 0.02), and 32.7% and 39.6% had female as the last authors ( χ 1 , 948 2 = 4.61; p = 0.03). Gender parity was observed in one journal for the first author and none for the last author in 2011, and in three journals for the first author and one for the last author in 2021. Regarding combinations of male (M) and female (F) first and last authorship positions, the authors of articles in 2011 were MM (44.5%), FM (22.8%), FF (17.3%) and MF (15.4%), and MM (34.6%), FM (25.8%), FF (22.1%) and MF (17.5%) in 2021. Differences between 2011 and 2021 were statistically significant ( χ 3 , 948 2 = 9.80; p = 0.02). The proportion of authorship combinations did not show statistically significant differences among journals in 2011 or in 2021. Neither citation nor self-citation were influenced by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Gender disparities persist in optometry journals, with females being under-represented in senior and leadership positions. Increasing the awareness of gender disparity in authorship is a necessary step towards ensuring fairness in science in general, and optometry in particular.

Analysing the effectiveness of Just-A-Minute Optometry Clinical Pearls: a micro-learning tool in continuing optometry education.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Just-A-Minute Clinical Pearls as a microlearning concept may be beneficial in enhancing optometry and ophthalmology practice globally. BACKGROUND: Medical education often witnesses a gap in effectively translating the learnings into clinical practice, pointing to the complex and traditional teaching methods as hindrances. The present work studied the usefulness and acceptability of Just-A-Minute Optometry Clinical Pearls, a micro-learning tool, among optometrists and ophthalmologists. METHODS: Just-A-Minute Optometry clinical pearls were developed by the optometry team of LV Prasad Eye Institute and shared (via email) among optometrists and ophthalmologists on a daily basis between June 2021 to May 2022. In the middle of the project, the recipients were invited to participate in an online survey. The variables studied included frequency of checking clinical pearls, simplicity of their content, grasping speed, most used subspeciality pearls, knowledge gain and retention, practice applicability, overall learning experience, and the likelihood of recommending it to a friend. RESULTS: Among 150 respondents, 103 (68.7%) were ophthalmologists, and 46 (30.7%) were optometrists. The majority were from private (n = 64, 42.7%) and institutional (n = 48, 32%) practices, with 102 (68.4%) having more than five years and 21 (14%) having 2-5 years of experience. About 115 (77%) respondents checked clinical pearls every day, 147 (99%) found the format easy, and 131 (88%) could grasp the content within one minute. They felt that JAM-OCP 'always' enhanced clinical knowledge (n = 108, 72%) and clinical applicability (n = 82, 55%) and helped in knowledge retention (n = 123, 84%). The responses to the clinical application significantly varied (Chi-square tests) among subgroups of education qualification (p < 0.001) and practice types (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Just-A-Minute Optometry Clinical Pearls were beneficial to optometrists and ophthalmologists in their practices. This, as a tele-education tool, supports continuing optometry education across the globe.

Superación profesional del tecnólogo en optometría y óptica en el Tomógrafo de Coherencia Óptica Spectralis / The Professional Upgrading of the Technologist in Optometry and Optics with the Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography

En la actualidad, se vive en una sociedad en la que el conocimiento es el principal motor de desarrollo y crecimiento económico. Para que una persona tenga capacidad de producir conocimientos y de aprendizaje permanente, se requiere tener habilidades en el uso de tecnología avanzada, las cuales se logran con la superación profesional para poder aplicarlos en beneficio de toda la sociedad. La superación profesional posibilita a los profesionales estar actualizados y actualizables en las tecnologías avanzadas que facilitan mantenerse competentes y competitivos en cualquiera de los escenarios. En ese sentido, el desarrollo de las habilidades en el uso de tecnología avanzada significa aprender un lenguaje único, incorporar nuevas reglas y utilizar nuevas experiencias para aprender a interaccionar con eficacia en ese mundo. La tecnología de la salud requiere de profesionales con un perfil amplio e integrador, los cuales, mediante la superación profesional, se apropien de conocimientos y desarrollen habilidades en el uso de tecnología avanzada(AU)

Nowadays, life is experienced in a society in which knowledge is the main engine of development and economic growth. In order for a person to have the capacity to produce knowledge and learn permanently, it is necessary to have skills in the use of advanced technology, achieved through professional upgrading in order to apply them for the benefit of society as a whole. Professional upgrading makes it possible for professionals to be updated and updatable in advanced technologies that make it easier for them to remain competent and competitive in any of the scenarios. In that respect, the development of skills in the use of advanced technology means learning a unique language, incorporating new rules and using new experiences to learn how to interact effectively in this world. Health technology requires professionals with a broad and integrative profile, who, through professional upgrading, appropriate knowledge for themselves and develop skills in the use of advanced technology(AU)

Novel linkage approach to join community-acquired and national data.

BACKGROUND: Community optometrists in Scotland have performed regular free-at-point-of-care eye examinations for all, for over 15 years. Eye examinations include retinal imaging but image storage is fragmented and they are not used for research. The Scottish Collaborative Optometry-Ophthalmology Network e-research project aimed to collect these images and create a repository linked to routinely collected healthcare data, supporting the development of pre-symptomatic diagnostic tools. METHODS: As the image record was usually separate from the patient record and contained minimal patient information, we developed an efficient matching algorithm using a combination of deterministic and probabilistic steps which minimised the risk of false positives, to facilitate national health record linkage. We visited two practices and assessed the data contained in their image device and Practice Management Systems. Practice activities were explored to understand the context of data collection processes. Iteratively, we tested a series of matching rules which captured a high proportion of true positive records compared to manual matches. The approach was validated by testing manual matching against automated steps in three further practices. RESULTS: A sequence of deterministic rules successfully matched 95% of records in the three test practices compared to manual matching. Adding two probabilistic rules to the algorithm successfully matched 99% of records. CONCLUSIONS: The potential value of community-acquired retinal images can be harnessed only if they are linked to centrally-held healthcare care data. Despite the lack of interoperability between systems within optometry practices and inconsistent use of unique identifiers, data linkage is possible using robust, almost entirely automated processes.

Implementing integrated care in ophthalmology: a community case study.

Introduction: In 2017, in a context of financial and patient care challenges, Moorfields Eye Hospital in the borough of Croydon launched the first Ophthalmology Integrated Care Contract in the United Kingdom. Description: A realistic, systematic approach is presented for an efficient implementation of an integrated care ophthalmology contract under a lead provider. The main elements of the new contract are portrayed. Discussion: A new healthcare contract that would lead to system-wide transformation requires significant time commitment, vision, shared narrative, leadership, multi-functional working culture, shared accountability of all participating parties and education and support of all parties involved. Key levers to elevate the quality of care are collaborative relationships between health professionals, investing in information and technology and facilitating bottom-up innovation. Conclusion: System-wide changes such, as integrated care contracts are possible, although the interplay between context, design and implementation is more complex than expected.

Comprehensive Primary Eye Care: A Comparison Between an In-Person Eye Exam and a Tele-Eye Care Exam.

Introduction: Proper access to primary eye care is essential in addressing vision impairment, and tele-eye care examinations are a promising solution that could facilitate this access in many rural or remote areas. Even though remote eye exams are becoming increasingly frequent, comprehensive tele-eye care exams are still limited by the lack of published data. The aim of this study is to compare a comprehensive tele-eye care exam with a gold standard in-person primary eye care exam with an emphasis on refractive measurements, ocular health assessment, confidence level of the eye care providers and patient satisfaction. Methods: Sixty-six participants underwent two comprehensive eye exams performed by two eye care providers. One was a gold standard in-person exam, while the other was a remote exam performed by an eye care provider through videoconference. An overall patient satisfaction survey and a questionnaire for visual comfort with a trial frame from each modality were completed and the eye care providers scored their confidence level for each test. Exam results and diagnoses were compared between both modalities. Results: Tele-refraction has a good to excellent agreement with in-person subjective refraction in terms of sphero-cylindrical power and best corrected visual acuity. There was no statistically significant difference for visual comfort between both modalities. The agreement between in-person and remote exams for ocular health assessment ranged from fair to almost perfect, but there was a low prevalence of ocular pathologies within the study sample. The confidence level of the eye care providers and patient satisfaction were statistically higher in-person. Conclusion: Tele-eye care appears to be statistically and clinically non-inferior to in-person eye exams, especially for refraction, but the low prevalence of ocular pathologies somewhat limits the comparison of its efficacy for ocular health assessment. More studies on comprehensive tele-eye care exams are needed.