Practice Patterns and Challenges in Managing Inherited Retinal Diseases across Asia-Pacific: A Survey from the APIED Network.

PURPOSE: The objective of this paper is to shed light on the current landscape of genotyping practices, phenotyping practices and availability of essential vision rehabilitation management for inherited retinal diseases (IRD) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region. METHODS: The 62-item questionnaire was distributed electronically via email. The questions covered five domains: (1) structure of the IRD service and registry/database; (2) genotyping practices; (3) genetic counselling; (4) deep phenotyping practices; (5) low-vision rehabilitation services. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 36 of 45 centres in twelve countries and regions in APAC. Among these centres, 42% reported managing more than 1000 patients. Notably, 39% of centres lack an IRD database or registry, and 44% of centres have tested less than one-quarter of their IRD patients. The majority of centres (67%) do not have genetic counsellors. While there was consistency in the imaging-based investigations, there was marked heterogeneity for functional testing using electrophysiology and formal perimetry. Only 34% of centres confirmed the availability of access to low-vision assistive devices. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals several critical gaps in managing IRDs in the APAC region. These include the lack of IRD database/registry in one-third of centres, a substantial proportion of patients remaining genetically undiagnosed, and limited availability of genetic counsellors. The findings also underscore a need to harmonise investigations for evaluating retinal function and identify areas for improvement in the provision of low-vision rehabilitation services.

Population Prevalence, Pattern and Associated Factors for Retinal Diseases at High Altitude in Nepal.

Background: Retinal diseases are common at high altitudes due to a cascade of changes caused by hypoxia. The aim of this study is to assess the population prevalence, pattern and associated factors of retinal disorders at high altitude in Nepal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three selected high-altitude districts (over 2500 meters) of Nepal. Subjects were at least 40 years old, and the target sample size was 309. A detailed history was taken. Visual acuity, blood sugar, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured. Anterior and posterior ocular evaluations were conducted by retina specialists using slit lamp and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results: A total of 338 participants were recruited, with nearly equal numbers from the three districts with mean age of 57.0 (S.D 11.1) years. Two-thirds (63.9%) were females; 38.2% were illiterate, and 46.7% were farmers. Average blood oxygen saturation was 87.2% (S.D 4.1%). Systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found in 58% and 11%, respectively. Retinal diseases were found in 176 (52.5%), with bilateral involvement in 157 (46.9%). The major retinal diseases were hypertensive retinopathy (32.2%), high-altitude retinopathy (10.4%), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (8.1%), branch vein occlusion (BRVO) (2.1%), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) (1.8%). The multivariate analysis showed significant association of retinal diseases with age and hypertension. Best corrected visual acuity better than 6/18 was present in 96.7%. Conclusion: Over half of the study participants had retinal diseases, with hypertensive retinopathy, AMD, and high-altitude retinopathy as the most common retinal problems. A significant association of retinal diseases was found with ageing, and hypertension. Access to eye care services and control of systemic hypertension along with patient education should be emphasized among people living at high-altitude.

Clinical Characteristics of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Outcome of Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among people with diabetes. The study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and outcome of pars plana vitrectomy in Proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from September 2019 to December 2021 among consecutive cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy who underwent pars plana vitrectomy at a tertiary eye care center. Study was conducted after ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee. Detailed systemic and ocular history, visual acuity, ocular findings under mydriasis, surgical procedures, and outcome following pars plana vitrectomy were recorded. Cases were followed up regularly until one year after the pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: Total of 83 cases (89 eyes) of proliferative diabetic retinopathy were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 53 years ±9.7 SD, ranging from 26 years to 72 years. Males comprised of 62.7% cases. Type two diabetes comprised of 94% of cases. Indications for pars plana vitrectomy were; mixed vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment (38.2%), non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage (38.1%), and tractional retinal detachment only (24.7%). Pre-operative intra-vitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor was given in 78.65% eyes and pan retinal photocoagulation in 58.42% eyes. The anatomical success was achieved in 95.5% eyes, visual improvement in 68.54%, static in 14.6% and worsened in 16.86% of eyes. About 15.7% of eyes had some form of post- operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Vitreous hemorrhage with tractional retinal detachment, persistent vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment involving macula were the common indication of pars plana vitrectomy among cases of Proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Anatomical success and visual acuity improvement can be achieved in majority of the eyes following PPV in Proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Health transition and eye care policy planning for people with diabetic retinopathy in south Asia.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), associated systemic disorders, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and current health policies in south Asian countries were analysed to assess country-specific preparedness to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The south Asian countries were classified by human development index, socio-demographic index, multidimensional poverty indices, and eye health resources for epidemiological resource-level analysis. In south Asia, the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D in adults aged 40 years or above, was higher in Pakistan (26.3%) and Afghanistan (71.4%), respectively; India has the highest absolute number of people with DR, and Afghanistan has the highest prevalence of DR (50.6%). In this region, out-of-pocket spending is high (∼77%). This Health Policy is a situational analysis of data available on the prevalence of DR and common eye diseases in people with T2D in south Asia and available resources to suggest tailored health policies to local needs. The common issues in the region are insufficient human resources for eye health, unequal distribution of available workforce, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges of individuals with T2D and DR, a 10-point strategy is suggested to improve infrastructure, augment human resources, reduce out-of-pocket spending, employ targeted screening, and encourage public-private partnerships.

Rationale and protocol paper for the Asia Pacific Network for inherited eye diseases.

PURPOSE: There are major gaps in our knowledge of hereditary ocular conditions in the Asia-Pacific population, which comprises approximately 60% of the world's population. Therefore, a concerted regional effort is urgently needed to close this critical knowledge gap and apply precision medicine technology to improve the quality of lives of these patients in the Asia-Pacific region. DESIGN: Multi-national, multi-center collaborative network. METHODS: The Research Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia-Pacific Society of Eye Genetics fostered this research collaboration, which brings together renowned institutions and experts for inherited eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The immediate priority of the network will be inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), where there is a lack of detailed characterization of these conditions and in the number of established registries. RESULTS: The network comprises 55 members from 35 centers, spanning 12 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The steering committee comprises ophthalmologists with experience in consortia for eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, leading ophthalmologists and vision scientists in the field of IRDs internationally, and ophthalmic geneticists. CONCLUSIONS: The Asia Pacific Inherited Eye Disease (APIED) network aims to (1) improve genotyping capabilities and expertise to increase early and accurate genetic diagnosis of IRDs, (2) harmonise deep phenotyping practices and utilization of ontological terms, and (3) establish high-quality, multi-user, federated disease registries that will facilitate patient care, genetic counseling, and research of IRDs regionally and internationally.

Prevalence and associated factors of diabetic retinopathy among people with diabetes screened using fundus photography at a community diabetic retinopathy screening program in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and vision threatening DR (VTDR) among people with diabetes screened using fundus photography in Nepal. METHODS: This is a retrospective study among people with diabetes presented for DR screening using fundus photography from 2013 to 2019. Detailed demographics, duration of diabetes, medical history, visual acuity, and grading of DR on fundus photography were analyzed. Fundus camera used in the study were;Topcon digital fundus camera 900 CXR and digital portable fundus cameras (Nidek-10 portable non-mydriatric fundus camera; Versacam & Trade & Alpha, France), and a Zeiss portable fundus camera (Zeiss Visucout 100). Macula centred and disc centred 45 degree two images were taken from each eye. Pupil were dilated in cases where there was media haze in un-dilated cases. DR was graded using early treatment diabetic retinopathy study criteria. The images were graded by fellowship trained retina specialist. DR prevalence included any DR changes in one or both eyes. RESULTS: Total of 25,196 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Mean age was 54.2 years with Standard Deviation (S.D):12.9 years, ranging from 6 years to 97 years. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes comprised of 451 people (1.79%) and 24,747 (98.21%) respectively. Overall, 1.8% of the images were un-gradable. DR prevalence was 19.3% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 18.8 - 19.7%). DR prevalence in type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 15.5% (95% CI: 12.5 - 18.6%) and 19.3% (CI: 18.8 - 19.8%) respectively. Clinically significant macular edema (CSME) was found in 5.9% (95% CI: 5.6-6.2%) and VTDR in 7.9% (95% CI: 7.7-8.3%). In multivariate analysis, our study revealed strong evidence to suggest that there is meaningful association between DR and VTDR with duration of diabetes, diabetic foot, diabetic neuropathy, agriculture occupation, those under oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin or both as compared to those under diet only, and presenting visual acuity > 0.3LogMAR. CONCLUSION: Prevalence and associated factors for DR and VTDR were similar to other DR screening programs in the region. Emphasis on wider coverage of DR screening could help for timely detection and treatment of STDR to avoid irreversible blindness.

Outcomes Of Microincision Pars Plana Vitrectomy In Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

BACKGROUND: With the technological advances, microincision pars plana vitrectomy is commonly used method for primary treatment of eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Objective of this study is to evaluate anatomical and visual outcomes of microincision pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: This was a hospital based prospective observational study done in Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, Nepal. All consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent primary microincision pars plana vitrectomy from October 2020 to March 2021 were included in the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline, postoperative day 1, 1 week, 6 weeks and 3 months. Outcome measures evaluated were anatomical results, visual outcomes and complications of the surgery. RESULTS: Forty-nine eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with primary microincision pars plana vitrectomy with minimum follow up of at least 3 months were evaluated. Anatomical success was achieved in 91.8% of cases (45/49). Baseline mean best corrected visual acuity was logMAR 1.63±0.88 and median best corrected visual acuity was 2.00 (range 0.00 to 2.70) while at 3 months follow up mean best corrected visual acuity was logMAR 1.22±0.66 and median BCVA was 1.00 ( range 0.00 to 2.70). There was significant improvement in median BCVA ( p= 0.005). There were no cases of postoperative hypotony and endophthalmitis. Other complications were also minimal such as silicon oil in anterior chamber in 1 eye, epiretinal membrane in 3 eyes and macular hole in 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Microincision pars plana vitrectomy is an effective surgical method of primary treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with good anatomical and visual outcomes with minimal complications.

Risk Stratification on Systemic Target Organ Involvement Associated with Hypertensive Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive retinopathy is a common complication among people with hypertension. The current study assessed the risk stratification on systemic target organ involvement of people with hypertensive retinopathy. METHODS: In a hospital- based cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral eye institute in Nepal, we included consecutive people ≥ 31 years with essential hypertension. Details of histories and systemic target organ involvements were documented. People with un-gradable retinal findings of hypertensive retinopathy and prior retinal surgery were excluded. All participants underwent comprehensive eye examination, including dilated fundus examination. Hypertensive retinopathy was classified by Modified Scheie classification. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risks for hypertensive retinopathy and target organ involvement. RESULTS: The study recruited 312 subjects. The mean age was 63.68 ± 12.63 years. The mean duration of hypertension was 7.0 ± 6.5 years. Hypertensive retinopathy was detected in 83.7% (n=261) people and 63.5% (n= 198) had grade 1 hypertensive retinopathy. Target organ involvement was detected in 20.5% (n =64) people. These included cardiac (12.5%; n=39), central nervous (5.1%; n= 16), and renal (4.5%; n=14) systems. In multivariate analysis, concurrent hyperlipidaemia was significantly associated with hypertensive retinopathy and target organ involvement. Target organ involvement increased with the severity of hypertensive retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Over four-fifths of people with hypertension had hypertensive retinopathy and one-fifth had other systemic target organ involvements. Severity of hypertensive retinopathy and concurrent hyperlipidaemia were associated with target organ involvement. Hypertensive retinopathy can be considered for risk stratification to other target organ involvement in a clinical setting.

Assessment of Skin Carotenoid Measurement as a Means to Detect Vitamin A Deficiency in Children and Pregnant Women of Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is an ongoing public health concern among children and pregnant women in Nepal despite robust national efforts to screen and treat this vision- and life-threatening condition. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate skin carotenoid scores measured using the Veggie Meter as a rapid, noninvasive screening tool for VAD in Nepali children and pregnant women. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study enrolled 164 pregnant women and 168 children (aged 8 to 12 y) from public hospitals in three distinct outlying ecological regions of Nepal (Terai, Hill, and Mountain). The primary outcome assessed whether skin carotenoid status could be a biomarker for VAD. We determined skin carotenoid scores using the Veggie Meter and compared them with serum retinol and total carotenoid concentrations assessed by HPLC. Correlation analysis was used to determine bivariate associations between serum retinol and total carotenoid concentrations, and the Veggie Meter assessed skin carotenoid status. Receiver operating characteristics curves were determined, and a P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We found that 8.5% of pregnant women and 13.0% of children in this study had severe VAD (serum retinol < 200 ng/mL). There were significant correlations between skin carotenoid scores with serum retinol and total carotenoid concentrations among pregnant women and children (r = 0.253-0.530, P ≤ 0.001). The Veggie Meter detected severe VAD with 57.1% sensitivity and 82.7% specificity in pregnant women and 61.9% sensitivity and 75.9% specificity in children. CONCLUSIONS: Although sensitivity and specificity were moderate for detecting VAD with the Veggie Meter, skin carotenoid assessment using this rapid, noninvasive portable device could still be valuable for high-risk VAD screening in Nepal and similar developing countries with limited access to laboratory measurement of serum vitamin A concentrations.

Patterns of Macular Edema in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Diagnosed by Optical Coherence Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Branch Retinal vein occlusion is the most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy in elderly populations. OBJECTIVES: To describe morphological patterns of macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion using optical coherence tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a hospital based; descriptive, cross-sectional study. All patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion diagnosed by optical coherence tomography and fulfilling the inclusion criteria from 2017 July 1 to 2018 July 1 were studied. RESULTS: A total of 84 eyes of 84 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patient was 68.0833 ± 11.22 years (range, 35-74 years). Forty-five (53.57%) were male. Forty-four eyes had right eye involvement. Major and macular branch retinal vein occlusion was found in 50 and 34 eyes respectively. Forty eight eyes had superior and 36 eyes had inferior branch retinal vein occlusion. Morphological patterns of macular edema were classified: cystoid macular edema, cystoid macular edema with serous retinal detachment, diffuse macular edema and diffuse macular edema with serous retinal detachment of which 68 (80.95%) had cystoid macular edema. Out of 84 eyes, 30 (35.71%) had inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction disruption. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography is a safe and noninvasive technique. Serous retinal detachment and photoreceptors disruption may go unnoticed unless OCT is performed. It can measure the changes in retinal thickness and thus predict the visual outcomes in patients with macular edema.

Prevalence, Associated Factors and Awareness of Hypertensive Retinopathy among an Elderly Population with Hypertension in Nepal: The Bhaktapur Retina Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive retinopathy is a common complication in patients with hypertension. This study aims to assess the prevalence, associated factors and awareness of hypertensive retinopathy among an elderly population with hypertension in Bhaktapur, Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study conducted from 2013 to 2015 in Bhaktapur district, Nepal. The sample size was 2100 subjects aged 60 years and above. From this sample, all diagnosed patients with hypertension were analyzed. A detailed history was obtained, and an ocular examination was performed. RESULTS: Information was complete for 1860 (88.57%) subjects. The age of the study population ranged from 60 to 95 years with the mean age of 69.64±7.31 years. Hypertension was found in 643 subjects (34.61%), of which 224 (12.04%) were newly diagnosed cases. Among the subjects with hypertension, hypertensive retinopathy was found in 81 cases (12.6%). Hypertensive retinopathy was more frequent in the age group 70-79 years (15.23%), males (13.25%), illiterates (13.56%), diabetics (16.49%), and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (14%). None of the factors was found to be statistically significant. Among the study participants, awareness regarding the effect of hypertension on eye, retina and vision was found to be 13.84%, 8.4%, and 11.98% respectively. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of hypertension and hypertensive retinopathy among an elderly population of 60 years and above in Bhaktapur district, Nepal were similar to other countries. Hypertensive retinopathy was higher among males, illiterates, diabetes and BMI> 25kg/m2. Awareness of hypertensive retinopathy was 8.4% among hypertensive subjects. Emphasis should be directed toward improving awareness campaigns.

Development of Diabetic retinopathy screening guidelines in South-East Asia region using the context, challenges, and future technology.

OBJECTIVE: To formulate guidelines for screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) for the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR) aligned with the current infrastructure and human resources for health (HRH). DESIGN: A consultative group discussion of technical experts of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) from SEAR. PARTICIPANTS: IAPB country chairs and DR technical experts from SEAR countries. METHODS: Data related to DR in SEAR was collected from published literature on available DM and DR guidelines and the participating experts. The 10 SEAR countries (the Democratic Republic of Korea was not included for lack of sufficient data) were divided into 3 resource levels (low, medium, and high) based on gross national income/per capita, cataract service indicators (cataract surgical rate and cataract surgical service), current infrastructure and available HRH. Two countries each were assigned to low (Myanmar, Timor-Leste) and high resource (India, Thailand) levels, and the remaining 6 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka) were assigned the medium resource level. The DR care system was divided into 3 levels of care (essential, recommended, and desirable) and 3 levels of service delivery (primary, secondary, and tertiary). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary, secondary, and tertiary level guidelines for screening of DR. RESULTS: Nine WHO SEAR countries participated in the formulation of the new country-specific DR screening guidelines. The DR screening recommendations were: advocacy at the community level, visual acuity measurement, and non-mydriatic fundus photography at the primary level, comprehensive eye examination and retinal laser at the secondary level, and intravitreal therapy and vitrectomy at the tertiary level. The systemic care of DM and hypertension are recommended at all levels commiserating with their care capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The DR guidelines for the SEAR region are the first region-specific and resource-aligned recommendations for comprehensive DR care in each country of the region. In the future, the new technological advances in retinal camera technology, teleophthalmology, and artificial intelligence should be included within the structure of the public DR care system.

Fundus Photography as the Base of Three-Tier Diabetic Retinopathy Care System to Its Wider Roles: Learning from a Case Experience.

A case experience of initiating the ocular fundus photography (OFP) service in a diabetes outpatient clinic of a tertiary-care institution is presented. In the community and within the hospitals, the OFP helps to develop the three-tier diabetic retinopathy (DR) care system comprising: OFP-based DR screening and monitoring, an experienced ophthalmologist in laser therapy, and vitreo-retina specialist services. After three to six months of training, non-ophthalmic allied health professionals could also grade the DR. We also learned that such training program, however, requires broadening to encompass diabetes and major non-communicable diseases comprehensively to fulfill the need of the primary care nurses in health care settings and the full-time job and professional career for them. Medical students and residents now need to be 'directly' trained in the interpretation of OFP. The stakeholders involved in public health and medical education may recommend to the public hospitals and medical colleges for the provision of OFP service.

Characterising transnational ophthalmic surgical partnerships by engagement and training.

BACKGROUND: Transnational ophthalmic partnerships exist between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in varying capacities. We analyzed partnership stakeholders to better understand and address disparities in ophthalmic surgical care. METHODS: An international Web search was conducted to identify surgeons, foundations or organisations participating in ophthalmic delivery and/or capacity building from 2010 to 2019. Partnerships were defined through clinical activities, education and training and/or research support. Descriptive data on current ophthalmic partnerships were collected from published reports, literature reviews and information on stakeholder webpages. Partnerships were classified by the extent of engagement and training: grade I 'engagement' represented documented partnerships of at least 1 year and grade I 'training' limited or poorly defined skills transfer programmes, while grade III 'engagement' represented partnerships with well-documented fiscal investment and/or research productivity and grade III 'training' established training programmes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and geospatially depicted on Tableau (Mountain View, CA) and ArcMap software (Redlands, CA). RESULTS: In total, 209 unique HIC-LMIC partnerships encompassing 92 unique countries were described. The most common HIC partners were from North America (123; 59%), followed by Europe (75; 36%). The most common LMIC partners were from Africa (102; 49%), followed by Asia-Pacific (54; 26%) and Latin America (44; 21%). Additionally, partnerships most frequently provided services in cataract (48%), glaucoma (25%) and diabetic retinopathy (25%). The most common 'engagement' classifications were grade I (36%) or II (40%); the most common 'training' classifications were grade I (61%) or II (23%). CONCLUSION: Transnational ophthalmic partnerships exist with varying degrees of both engagement and training. Partnerships are stronger in research collaboration and direct services, and weaker in LMIC-directed training programmes.

Agreement and Diagnostic Test Accuracy on Grading Diabetic Retinopathy Using Fundus Photographs by Allied Medical Personnel at a Community Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program in Nepal.

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to assess the agreement and diagnostic test accuracy of DR grading using fundus photographs by the allied medical personnel (AMP) as compared to ophthalmologist at DR screening program.Methods: Two 45 degree disc-centred and macula centred fundus photographs captured using digital fundus camera from 1344 eyes were graded by six AMP twice at three months and six months of training. DR grading was done using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. Retina specialist grading was taken as the reference standard. Percentage agreement using kappa coefficient (k) and diagnostic test accuracy were assessed.Results: Intra-rater agreement of most AMP was almost perfect for detection of any DR and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) at three and six months. Inter-rater agreement at 3 months at second grading was substantial for any DR (k = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.68) and VTDR (k = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47-0.75). Inter-rater agreement in 6 months at second grading was also substantial for any DR (k = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.61-0.71) and VTDR (k = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.75). The sensitivity and specificity for any DR at second grading in 3 months was 94.99% and 63.97% and at 6 months was 95.55% and 66.91%, respectively.Conclusion: The inter-rater agreement of AMP as compared to ophthalmologists for any DR or VTDR was substantial at both 3 and 6 months. AMP can support as first-level DR graders for timely referral and treatment of VTDR.

Choroidal Osteoma with Choroidal Neovascular Membrane treated with Anti- vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: A Rare Case with Review of Literatures.

INTRODUCTION: Choroidal osteoma, usually unilateral, is a rare benign tumor of choroid. It is predominantly seen in young females. CASE: We report a case of a 35-year-old female with unilateral choroidal osteoma associated with choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). The diagnosis was confirmed with clinical examination, ocular ultrasonography, fundus fluorescein angiography and macular optical coherence tomography. Choroidal neovascular membrane improved with 3 doses of bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (Anti-VEGF). CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF monotherapy can be a cost effective primary modality of treatment for choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to choroidal osteoma.

Agreement on Grading Retinal Findings of Patients with Diabetes Using Fundus Photographs by Allied Medical Personnel when Compared to an Ophthalmologist at a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the emerging cause of blindness in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of grading retinal findings of patients with diabetes using fundus photographs by allied medical personnel (AMP) when compared to an ophthalmologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six AMPs were enrolled for grading fundus photographs of patients with diabetes after three and six months of training twice at two weeks interval. The total number of fundus photographs graded were 1,344. Grading by a retina specialist was used as the gold standard. Intra-rater and inter-rater agreement was assessed using the kappa coefficient (k). RESULTS: The intra-rater agreement of half of the AMPs in both three months and six months was almost perfect for grading of any retinal abnormalities, and substantial for retinal hemorrhages. In three months, the overall inter-rater agreement at the second rating was moderate for any retinal abnormalities (k=0.60) and retinal hemorrhage (k=0.48) and was fair for macular exudates (k=0.35). The overall inter-rater agreement of AMPs in six months at the second rating was substantial for any retinal abnormalities (k=0.61), fair for retinal hemorrhage (k=0.30), and moderate for macular exudates (k=0.49). The overall inter-rater agreement at first rating was almost similar to the second rating in both three months and six months. CONCLUSION: Intra-rater agreement of AMPs was almost perfect for any retinal abnormalities and substantial for retinal hemorrhage. The inter-rater agreement of AMP was substantial for any retinal abnormalities and moderate for retinal hemorrhages and macular exudates. The agreement results were almost similar at three months and six months. AMPs could be utilized in screening of DR and other retinal pathologies for timely referral to reduce the blindness in low-resource settings.

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Retinal Diseases Among an Elderly Population in Nepal: The Bhaktapur Retina Study.

INTRODUCTION: Retinal diseases are an emerging cause of visual impairment in the developing world. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of retinal diseases in Nepal. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study conducted from 2013 to 2015. The sample size was 2100 subjects age 60 years and above from 30 clusters of Bhaktapur district, Nepal. Detailed history, visual acuity, and anterior and posterior segment examinations were performed. Blood sugar and blood pressure were measured. RESULTS: Complete information was available for 1860 (88.57%) subjects. Mean age was 69.64±7.31 years, ranging from 60 to 95 years. The prevalence of any retinal disorder was 52.37% (95% confidence interval (CI): 50.07-54.66%). The prevalence of retinal disorders increased with ageing: 51.26% between 60 and 69 years and 53.05% among those age 80 years and above. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was the most common retinal disease (35.43%), followed by hypertensive retinopathy (4.35%), epiretinal membrane (ERM) (3.66%), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) (2.90%), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) (2.15%). Other rare retinal disorders included myopic fundus (0.86%), chorioretinal scar (0.54%), retinal holes (0.32%), retinitis pigmentosa (0.32%), retinal detachment (0.16%), and coloboma (0.11%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, those with prior cataract surgery (odds ratio (OR), 1.71; 95% CI: 1.32-2.22, p < 0.001) and systemic hypertension (OR, 1.21; 95% CI: 1.001-1.47, p = 0.049) had significantly increased retinal disorders. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of retinal disorder was 52.37% at age 60 years and above. AMD, hypertensive retinopathy, ERM, BRVO, and DR were the most common retinal disorders. Retinal disorders increased with ageing. Retinal disorders were found associated with hypertension and prior cataract surgery. Timely screening, control of blood sugar and high blood pressure, and regular eye check-ups could help to save vision from retinal diseases.

Clinical profile and management of vitreous hemorrhage in tertiary eye care centre in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Vitreous hemorrhage is one of the most common diseases presenting to emergency department and leading cause of painless vision loss. OBJECTIVES: To determine the profile of vitreous hemorrhage in patients presented to Outpatient Department (OPD) and emergency Department of Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a hospital based observational non interventional descriptive study. Total 198 patients were enrolled who visited OPD and Emergency department of TIO from August 1st 2012 to July 30th 2013. RESULT: Total 198 patients (201 eyes) were enrolled for the study, out of which 144 were male and 54 females. 195 were unilateral and 3 bilateral cases. Most common age group of presentation of vitreous hemorrhage was 51-60 years (24.75%). Most common presenting complaint was sudden onset of decreased vision (95%). Most common etiology of vitreous hemorrhage was branch retinal vein occlusion (22.38%). Among the total subjects, 57.7% of the patient were managed with medical therapy, 35.8% surgically and 6.47 % with combined medical and surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is the most common cause of vitreous hemorrhage. Diabetes and hypertension are the most commonly associated systemic illnesses.