Is it the right time to promote competency-based European Training Requirements in Ophthalmology? A European Board of Ophthalmology survey.

Purpose: To report national practices and recent progress in competency-based medical education (CBME) implementation in ophthalmology across European countries.

Methods: A 30-question online survey was emailed to European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) ophthalmology section delegates, European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examiners and presidents of ophthalmology societies affiliated with UEMS/EBO.

Results: A total of 230 ophthalmologists with an average age of 54.

Cataract surgical training: Analysis of the results of the European Board of Ophthalmology survey in the Swiss cohort.

Introduction: This study, part of a series, analyses the Swiss cohort from an EBO survey on cataract surgery training in Europe, focusing on Switzerland's unique program. The survey identifies two models: training all residents in surgery, and a "high-volume surgeon" model where only some learn CS post-residency.

Methods: This study analyses the survey results of Swiss participants in the EBO examinations (2018-2022) and compared them with the most important cohorts (Germany, France and Spain).

Cataract surgical training in Europe: European Board of Ophthalmology survey.

Purpose: To survey recently graduated European ophthalmologists concerning cataract surgery (CS) training opportunities.

Setting: Countries affiliated to the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO).

Design: Cross-sectional study of anonymous survey results.

A newborn with unilateral limb enlargement.

On routine neonatal examination, a newborn term male was noted to have unilateral enlargement of the right lower limb, loose thickened red skin over the palm and widening of all the fingers on the right hand. His body was pinker and warmer on the right side compared with the left and he had a right undescended testicle and hypoplastic scrotum. Radiological examination of the lower limbs demonstrated the enlargement of the soft tissue of the right lower limb compared to the left (Fig.

Treatment of dry eye: an analysis of the British Sjögren's syndrome association comparing substitute tear viscosity and subjective efficacy.

Purpose: This study aims to address the lack of independent subjective efficacy data on artificial tear substitutes in the treatment of dry eye due to the anecdotal association of 'thicker' products being more effective.

Methods: This is an independent study of the subjective use and efficacy of topical treatments used by members of the British Sjögren's Syndrome Association (BSSA) related to product viscosity. 2000 members of the BSSA were sent a questionnaire regarding their physical condition and the use of artificial tear substitutes.

Strabismus surgery in the over 60s--an update.

Background: The proportion of individuals above retirement age is expanding and consequently there is increased demand for ophthalmic surgery, including strabismus. In 2001 we published a pilot study reviewing all strabismus operations performed on patients aged 60 and over between 1992 and 1999. Almost a decade later, we repeated the analysis, aiming to identify any longitudinal trends.

A unique use for a corneal tattoo.

Introduction: Corneal tattoos have been previously used in managing corneal pathologies.

Methods: We describe a case of a 28-year-old male who presented with intractable binocular diplopia, which was relieved with a corneal tattoo.

Conclusion: This is a novel application of corneal tattooing for the alleviation of intractable binocular diplopia.

Clinical review of periorbital capillary hemangioma of infancy.

Purpose: To explore the role of intralesional steroid injections (ILSI) and oral steroids in the management of periocular hemangioma of infancy (HOI).

Methods: In this retrospective study, treatment options studied were observation, ILSI, and oral steroids. All children received adjunctive amblyopia treatment if required.

Diagnostic use of botulinum toxin in patients with Duane syndrome.

Introduction: Duane syndrome is a difficult condition to treat. Patients and parents need to be informed that it will not resolve and it is not possible to create normal eye movements surgically. Botulinum toxin may be used to assess the likelihood of reducing the abnormal head posture and reducing the diplopia by increasing the field of binocular single vision.

Perioperative management of anticoagulated patients having cataract surgery: National audit of current practice of members of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

An 11-item questionnaire was mailed to 891 consultant members of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) to audit compliance with RCOphth guidelines for perioperative management of anticoagulated patients having cataract surgery. Four hundred ninety-nine questionnaires were analyzed. The results showed that 29.

To posture or not to posture after macular hole surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the anatomic and functional success of phacovitrectomy and intraocular gas tamponade for macular hole surgery with only first night face down posturing.

Methods: This was a nonrandomized observational prospective trial over 9 months, with data collection on 28 eyes of 26 consecutive patients who underwent phacovitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peel, and intraocular gas tamponade (C2F6) for stage 2, 3, and 4 macular holes. Data included sex, age, hole latency and Gass stage, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and ocular coherence tomography, refractive outcome, ocular comorbidity, first postoperative day gas fill, and intraocular pressure.

Are disposable prisms an adequate alternative to standard Goldmann tonometry prisms in glaucoma patients?

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of 2 single-use tonometry devices (Tonosafe and Tonojet) as an alternative to standard Goldmann prisms in patients attending dedicated glaucoma clinics.

Design: Prospective experimental study with human subjects.

Participants: Two hundred forty glaucoma patients who attended 2 glaucoma clinics at the Stepping Hill Hospital between January and February 2005.

Frequency-doubling perimetry after photorefractive keratectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on frequency-doubling perimetry (FDP) patterns in myopic patients without glaucoma.

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.

Methods: Sixteen myopic patients (16 eyes) with a spherical equivalent worse than -7.