ABSTRACT
AIMS: The advanced specialist diploma in ophthalmic pathology was jointly ratified by the Royal College of Pathologists and the Institute of Biomedical Science in 2008. It results in extended roles for suitably qualified Biomedical Scientists (BMSs) in ophthalmic pathology specimen dissection and histological reporting of selected specimens, specifically non-neoplastic corneas. This study aimed to examine the reporting of corneal histology by a BMS training towards this diploma in comparison with a Consultant Ophthalmic Pathologist. METHODS: This report covers a non-interventional, prospective examination of BMS's diagnostic skills. After 6 months training, 50 consecutive corneal cases were reported by the BMS and the same case reported by the consultant ophthalmic pathologist. The BMS's diagnosis was compared with the final consultant's diagnosis. This exercise was then repeated after 24 months of training. RESULTS: After 6 months, the BMS's diagnoses matched the consultant diagnoses in 44/50 (88%) cases. After 24 months, the BMS's diagnoses matched the consultant diagnoses in 48/50 (96%) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that BMS's reporting of corneal histology is a real and safe possibility. Furthermore, it indicated deficiencies in BMS's diagnostic skills to inform further training/knowledge acquisition.
