Investigating the Relative Importance of Tear Homeostatic Signs for the Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease.

Aim: Disease misdiagnosis is more likely if standardised diagnostic criteria are not used. This study systematically examined the effect on diagnosing dry eye disease (DED), when tests for evaluating tear film homeostasis were included/excluded from a multi-test protocol.

Method: For 1427 participants across five sites, data for the full suite of diagnostic tests defined in the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) Diagnostic Methodology report algorithm were evaluated; diagnostic sensitivity was calculated when individual signs were removed, and when different combinations of signs were required.

New developments in optometric training in the United Kingdom.

With optometrists well placed to address the challenges and opportunities faced by contemporary eye care systems, it is ever more important to understand the genesis and development of the profession, so that optometrists can continue to build on this legacy for patient benefit. While the optometry profession of optometry in the United Kingdom can arguably trace its foundation back to 1629 and the Royal Charter gifted by Charles I to the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers to establish the 60 Livery Company of the City of London, the genesis of optometry as an independent profession (initially known as 'ophthalmic optics') can perhaps best be attributed to the formation of the British Optical Association in 1895. This paper reviews the current legal framework and recent changes that dictates how the optometry profession are trained and practice, along with clinical and educational innovations that are shaping the future role of the profession.

Clinical practice patterns in the management of dry eye disease: A TFOS international survey 2023-4.

Aims: To understand current clinical management of dry eye disease (DED), based on its perceived severity and subtype by practitioners across the world.

Methods: The content of the anonymous survey was chosen to reflect the DED management strategies reported by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) 2 Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS II). Questions were designed to ascertain practitioner treatment choice, depending on the subtype and severity of DED.

Artificial intelligence virtual assistants in primary eye care practice.

Purpose: To propose a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based virtual assistant trained on tabular clinical data that can provide decision-making support in primary eye care practice and optometry education programmes.

Method: Anonymised clinical data from 1125 complete optometric examinations (2250 eyes; 63% women, 37% men) were used to train different machine learning algorithm models to predict eye examination classification (refractive, binocular vision dysfunction, ocular disorder or any combination of these three options). After modelling, adjustment, mining and preprocessing (one-hot encoding and SMOTE techniques), 75 input (preliminary data, history, oculomotor test and ocular examinations) and three output (refractive, binocular vision status and eye disease) features were defined.

Digital eye strain and clinical correlates in older adults.

Purpose: To evaluate the screen time habits, associated symptoms and clinical characteristics of an older population (60 years and older) drawn from primary care optometry.

Methods: Consecutive patients aged 60 years and older, who used a digital device for at least 1 hour per day, attending for an eye examination at a primary care optometric practice in Dublin, Ireland, were invited to participate. The study gathered information regarding the participant's use of digital devices, the types of devices used and duration of use.