Survey of complementary and alternative medicine use in glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence, types, and associated factors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in glaucoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional survey. A total of 1516 consecutive patients attending 2 tertiary glaucoma clinics were surveyed on CAM use. Information gathered on standardized data collection sheets included demographic variables, ophthalmic history, glaucoma treatment history, and details of CAM use. RESULTS: The response rate was 92.5%. A total of 166 patients (10.9%) reported current use of CAM therapy specifically for glaucoma whereas 41 patients (2.7%) reported past use of CAM. Of the patients who reported CAM use, 62.5% had not disclosed the use of CAM to their ophthalmologist and 40.5% believed that the treatments were helping their glaucoma. The most commonly used types of CAM were herbal medications (34.5%), dietary modifications (22.7%), and vitamin/mineral supplements (18.8%). Of the 207 patients who reported current or past CAM use for their glaucoma, 3 (1.4%) indicated that they used conventional glaucoma treatments < prescribed because of their CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 9 glaucoma patients use CAM for their disease. Many of these patients do not disclose the use of CAM to their ophthalmologist, but the vast majority report that they still take conventional glaucoma medications as prescribed.

Motivations and future trends: a survey of Canadian ophthalmology residents.

BACKGROUND: There has been little investigation into the attitudes and aspirations of current ophthalmology residents. The object of this study was to investigate the factors influencing career choice and to identify the future plans of Canadian ophthalmology residents. METHODS: All ophthalmology residents in English Canadian ophthalmology residency training programs were invited to complete an anonymous survey in June 2006. Data were categorized by demographic variables and basic statistics; chi2 comparative analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 128 residents surveyed, 49 (38%) responded to the survey. Having the ability to combine medicine and surgery was the most common factor influencing the decision to pursue ophthalmology (98% of respondents), with intellectual stimulation (76%) and mentorship (50%) also emerging as important factors. The majority of residents (62%) plan on pursuing fellowship training, with medical retina, anterior segment/cataract, and cornea being the most popular choices (36%, 34%, and 32%, respectively). Most residents expressed plans of pursuing fellowships abroad, and only 22% planned on training within Canada. Fourteen percent indicated an interest in performing laser refractive surgery, female residents being significantly less likely than males to express such an interest (0% vs. 21%; p < 0.02). Most residents (71%) expressed the wish to practice in an urban or suburban setting, with only 6% intending to work in a rural community. INTERPRETATION: The appeal of the dual medical and surgical nature of ophthalmology is the most common motivating factor for pursuing an ophthalmology residency. The trends identified, including the high level of interest in subspecialty training and the desire to work in an urban setting, have important implications for the future of ophthalmology in Canada.