Publications by authors named "Mark Elder"

Unlabelled: This study's objective is to examine how ASEAN countries reported their environment-related policies for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), and a dataset of their environmental policies was developed. This is a necessary first step in analyzing the reasons for insufficient progress on the environmental dimension of the SDGs, since policies are key means of implementation. Previous studies of SDG progress and VNRs examined many aspects such as achievement levels, indicators, data, governance, and VNR preparation procedures, but surprisingly, there has been little discussion of countries' actual policy efforts.

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Aim: To assess the impact of anticoagulation on patients having cataract surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens insertion between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 at Christchurch Hospital were identified and retrospectively audited. The outcome measures were the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative haemorrhage, and thromboembolic events within two weeks after surgery.

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Introduction: Acute retinal artery occlusion (ARAO) is a major cause of sudden, painless visual loss, often leaving no useful vision in the affected eye. Its incidence is cited at 0.85 per 100,000 persons per year but may be higher because of under-reporting.

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Objective: There are few data on visual outcomes in adulthood of former very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants. We aimed to assess vision at 27-29 years in a national cohort of VLBW infants born in 1986 and assessed for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) when no treatment was available, compared with term born controls.

Methods: The cohort and controls attended a 2-day assessment in Christchurch as part of a larger study.

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Background: Very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) is associated with increased morbidity and costs of health care in childhood. Emerging evidence suggests these infants face a range of health and social problems as young adults. We studied all New Zealand very low birth weight infants born in 1986 (when 58% were exposed to antenatal corticosteroids) in infancy, with later follow-up at 7 to 8 years and 23 to 24 years.

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Objective: To assess whether an oxygen saturation (Spo2) target of 85%-89% compared with 91%-95% reduced the incidence of the composite outcome of death or major disability at 2 years of age in infants born at <28 weeks' gestation.

Study Design: A total 340 infants were randomized to a lower or higher target from <24 hours of age until 36 weeks' gestational age. Blinding was achieved by targeting a displayed Spo2 of 88%-92% using a saturation monitor offset by ±3% within the range 85%-95%.

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This article presents the experience of healthcare decision-makers who used simulation to better understand the impact of adopting best practice in stroke care, as outlined in the National Stroke Strategy. It describes the process of developing a simulation model and how stakeholders were involved in testing the key questions, which they needed to answer in order to adopt a new commissioning strategy for stroke care. It outlines what simulation is and discusses how it can be used to support evidenced-based decision-making.

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Purpose: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Group (AREDS) has found high-dose vitamin supplementation may have a role in preventing the progression of Category 3 and 4 age-related maculopathy. The aim of this study is to compare dietary antioxidant, zinc, and copper intakes of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States to determine the difference between the actual and suggested AREDS intakes for these nutrients. A further aim is to investigate the constituents of commonly available single and multivitamin preparations in New Zealand and carry out a cost analysis.

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Background: The ongoing supply of quality ophthalmic care to the New Zealand (NZ) population depends on a sustainable ophthalmology workforce. The NZ population is growing and aging rapidly, placing increasing demands on ophthalmic services. Predicting future supply of NZ ophthalmologists requires an accurate description of the current workforce.

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Background: To examine the current practice and changing trends for cataract and refractive surgery in New Zealand (NZ) between 1997 and 2007.

Methods: A self-administered confidential postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant ophthalmologists practising in NZ in 2007, eliciting surgical volumes and technique, anaesthetic, preferred equipment and patient management. Results were compared with previous NZ surveys and international surveys of surgeons in Northern America, Europe and the UK.

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Purpose: We aimed to indirectly assess the contribution from observer bias to between centre variability in the incidence of acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: The Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) collected data on the highest stage of acute ROP in either eye in 2286 infants born at less than 29 weeks in 1998-1999 and cared for in one of 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Chi-squared analysis was used to detect differences in the proportion of stages of ROP for each neonatal intensive care unit.

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The incidence of cataract continues to increase with the ageing of the population. Surgical treatment with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation remains the only proven treatment. This, however, is associated with significant cost and is not readily available especially in the developing countries where the prevalence of cataract is the highest.

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Purpose: To examine the reasons for unplanned overnight hospital admission in paediatric patients undergoing strabismus repair, to identify preventable causes (particularly postoperative nausea and vomiting), and to compare the rate of unplanned overnight stay with a group undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Method: A retrospective review of consecutive patients under age 17 having strabismus surgery over a 5-year period between January 1995 and December 1999 was undertaken at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand. A control group, from a similar period, of children having elective inguinal hernia repair was used to compare the rate of overnight stay.

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Objective: To review the natural history and ocular and systemic adverse effects of patients taking hydroxychloroquine sulfate who attended an ophthalmic screening program.

Design: Retrospective study.

Results: Records of 262 patients who were taking hydroxychloroquine and screened in the Department of Ophthalmology were reviewed.

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Background: This study examines the current practice and trends for cataract and refractive surgery in New Zealand.

Methods: A confidential postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant ophthalmologists practising in New Zealand in 2004. Most questions were identical to the 2000 New Zealand survey, and were also similar to the 2003 survey of the American Society of Cataract and Refraction Surgeons (ASCRS).

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Purpose: To examine patient survival, visual function and complications in all patients with choroidal melanoma treated with I125 brachytherapy between 1995 and 2003 at the authors' institution. To compare the results from their institution with those from international series.

Methods: Data were collected on 92 consecutive patients.

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Purpose: To examine the current scientific evidence base regarding the efficacy of eye exercises as used in optometric vision therapy.

Methods: A search was performed of the following databases: Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Relevant articles were reviewed and analyzed for strengths and weaknesses.

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We report the case of a 28-year-old man with decreased visual acuity after closed head trauma sustained in a motor vehicle accident 16 weeks earlier. Several structures thought to be associated with the control of accommodation were injured. The patient had a persistent accommodative spasm causing up to 7.

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Purpose: Traumatic globe rupture following penetrating keratoplasty is a life-long postoperative concern. We look at a series of penetrating keratoplasties in one institution and determine the rates of traumatic rupture and the outcomes following rupture. The reasons for persisting wound weakness are reviewed, and recommendations for eye protection based on wound strength are given.

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