Perspectives on a virtual student-led research conference in ophthalmology.

We share our experience of organizing a one-day virtual educational event, the first Canadian national student ophthalmology conference, in response to the need for ophthalmology career exploration. The conference included mentorship with residents, research presentations, keynote speakers, and more. Following the event, students expressed some improvement in accessing ophthalmology mentorship and research opportunities, along with a modest enhancement in their understanding of the specialty. We provide insights into the organizational framework and quality improvement results, aiming to assist students in adapting similar events for various specialities.

Nous partageons notre expérience portant sur l'organisation d'un événement éducatif virtuel d'une journée: la première conférence nationale canadienne des étudiants en ophtalmologie. Cette initiative a été prise en réponse au besoin d'exploration des carrières en ophtalmologie. La conférence comprenait des séances de mentorat avec des résidents, des présentations de recherche, des conférenciers d'honneur, entre autres. Suite à cet événement, les étudiants ont exprimé une amélioration dans l'accès au mentorat et aux opportunités de recherche en ophtalmologie, ainsi qu'une modeste amélioration de leur compréhension de la spécialité. Nous offrons un aperçu du cadre organisationnel et des résultats de l'amélioration de la qualité, dans le but d'aider d'autres étudiants à organiser des événements similaires pour diverses spécialités.

Efficacy, safety, and treatment burden of treat-and-extend versus alternative anti-VEGF regimens for nAMD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to compare efficacy and treatment burden of treat-and-extend (T&E) anti-VEGF against fixed and pro re nata (PRN) regimens for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched. Randomized-controlled trials and observational studies comparing T&E to PRN or fixed dosing for treatment-naïve AMD patients were included. Mean difference (MD) for visual acuity (VA) and number of injections are presented. Risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane guidelines. Methodology was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). VA improvement was similar with T&E and fixed dosing at one (MD -0.08 letters, p = 0.95) and two years (MD 0.58 letters, p = 0.62). In contrast, VA improvements were significantly greater for T&E when compared against a PRN regimen at one (MD 3.95 letters, p < 0.0001) and two years (MD 4.08 letters, p < 0.001). Significantly fewer ranibizumab injections were administered in the T&E arm at one (MD -2.42 injections, p < 0.0001) and two years (MD -6.06 injections, p < 0.00001) relative to fixed dosing. Fewer aflibercept injections were likewise administered to patients on a T&E regimen versus fixed dosing at one year (MD -0.78 injections, p < 0.0001). Low-certainty evidence from the present synthesis implies that T&E preserves VA similar to fixed schedules with significantly fewer injections at one and two years. Also, patients with T&E dosing achieved better VA outcomes than those on PRN regimen but T&E dosing was associated with more injections.

Impact of the Time to Surgery on Visual Outcomes for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between time from symptom onset or presentation to repair and visual outcomes for macula-on and macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). DESIGN: Meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) based on time to RRD repair. Study identifiers, baseline characteristics, intervention characteristics, and visual outcomes were extracted. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses included leave-1-out and influence analyses. Primary outcomes included mean difference (MD) in final BCVA, MD between preoperative and final BCVA (∆BCVA), and relative risk of final BCVA <0.4 logMAR for macula-off RRD repair in 0-3 vs 4-7 days and macula-on RRD repair in 0-24 vs >24 hours. Secondary outcomes assessed other time points. RESULTS: Twenty observational studies reported on 1929 patients. Macula-off RRD repair in 0-3 days from symptom onset was superior to 4-7 days for final BCVA (MD -0.06 [95% CI -0.09, -0.03], P < .001) but was not different for ∆BCVA (P > .05). Macula-on repair in 0-24 hours from presentation was superior to >24 hours for final BCVA (MD -0.02 [95% CI -0.03, -0.01], P < .05) but was not different for ∆BCVA (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Macula-off RRD repair in 0-3 days from symptom onset may have better final BCVA compared to repair in 4-7 days. Macula-on RRD repair in 0-24 hours of presentation may have better final BCVA compared to repair in >24 hours. These results were supported by moderate- and low-quality evidence, respectively, and may have been influenced by differences in baseline BCVA.

STATIN USE AND THE INCIDENCE OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shares many of the same risk factors with atherosclerosis. There is a postulated role of lipid-lowering agents in preventing AMD. This meta-analysis investigates the possible role of statins in the prevention of AMD onset and progression. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the reference lists of included studies were systematically searched from inception to September 2020. Studies were included if they measured the risk of AMD development or progression with statin use. The primary outcomes assessed were AMD incidence and progression. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of early AMD, late AMD, choroidal neovascularization, and geographic atrophy. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles (1 randomized control trial and 20 observational studies) collectively reporting on 1,460,989 participants were included. The pooled risk ratios (95% confidence interval) for statin use on any, early, and late AMD incidence were 1.05 (0.85-1.29) (P = 0.44), 0.99 (0.88-1.11) (P = 0.86), and 1.15 (0.90-1.47) (P = 0.27), respectively. In patients with existing AMD, the respective risk ratios for statin use on incidence of AMD progression, choroidal neovascularization, and geographic atrophy were 1.04 (0.70-1.53) (P = 0.85), 0.99 (0.66-1.48) (P = 0.95), and 0.84 (0.58-1.22) (P = 0.36). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that there was no significant difference in the incidence or progression of AMD based on statin use.