Patterns of attendances to the hospital emergency eye care service: a multicentre study in England.

Background/objectives: To characterise the patterns of presentation and diagnostic frequencies in Hospital Emergency Eye Care Services (HEECS) across 13 hospitals in England.

Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational multi-centre (n = 13) study to assess HEECS attendances over a 28-day study period. Data derived included: number of consecutive attendances, patient demographics and diagnoses.

A study of the role and educational needs of ophthalmic specialist nurses.

Aims: To explore the current roles, responsibilities and educational needs of ophthalmic specialist nurses (OSNs) in the UK.

Method: A survey of 73 OSNs ranging from band 4 to band 8 was undertaken in May 2018.

Findings: 73% of OSNs undertake more than one active role, with 59% involved in nurse-led clinics; 63% felt formal learning resources were limited, with 63% reporting training opportunities and 21% reporting time as major barriers to further training.

Proning related bilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in a patient with COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Background: Non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare but harmful complication of prone positioning. Prone mechanical ventilation is a therapeutic strategy which has been used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic to treat acutely hypoxemic patients with COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Though a small number of cases of unilateral NAION have been reported in patients testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we describe what is to our knowledge, the first reported case of bilateral NAION occurring in a patient proned extensively for the treatment of COVID-19 related ARDS.

Cost-effective and adaptable cataract surgery simulation with basic technology.

Purpose: To assess the subjective validity of a cost-effective and adaptable cataract surgery simulation technique using basic technology.

Methods: We devised and filmed a range of simulation techniques that mimic steps of phacoemulsification cataract surgery using various "everyday" basic materials. This video was combined in a "parallel" fashion with live cataract surgery so that all steps of surgery were simulated.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use among emergency eye care professionals in the UK during the COVID19 pandemic.

EEC staff were provided with rapidly changing personal PPE guidance by Public Health England (PHE) with specific subspecialty advice from the British Emergency Eye Care Society (BEECS) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) UK during the COVID19 pandemic. BEECS undertook a baseline survey of its members after the initial response from the RCOphth 16/3/20 mirroring Public Health England (PHE) advice and a follow- up survey after the guidance was updated on 9/4/20. A combined total of 84 responses were received.

Ophthalmic emergencies presenting to the emergency department at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.

Background: Community-based optometry services are increasingly used as a primary resource for patients with acute eye problems. The Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) is an example of one such established scheme. The aim of the project was to show how the aforementioned pathway has affected the presentation of ocular conditions to a general emergency department and the eye casualty department at the same hospital.

Outcomes of Nd: YAG Goniopuncture After Viscocanalostomy/Phacoviscocanalostomy.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser goniopuncture (LGP) to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) post-viscocanalostomy (VC)/phacoviscocanalostomy (PVC). Outcomes include: IOP reduction from pre-LGP levels and the need for further topical antiglaucomatous medication or surgery.

Patients And Methods: A total of 541 eyes that underwent VC/PVC between 2009 and 2012, at the Stanley eye unit in Abergele were included in the study.

Rituximab in refractory ophthalmic Wegener's granulomatosis: PR3 titers may predict relapse, but repeat treatment can be effective.

Objective: To report the long-term outcome of the treatment of refractory ophthalmic Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) with rituximab (RIT), including rates of relapse, predictors of relapse, and results of repeat treatment.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Participants: We included 20 consecutive patients with refractory ophthalmic WG treated with RIT.