Research about eye health and eye health services in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: a scoping review.

Background: We aimed to summarise the extent and nature of published research about eye health and eye health services in Pacific Island Countries and Territories since 1980.

Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Global Health and Cochrane Library to identify publications about eye health and eye health services in 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories from 1 January 1980 to 26 January 2024. Study selection and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently.

Enhancing Perspective in Global Health: A Case Study on an International Ophthalmology Partnership.

Introduction: Global ophthalmology opportunities are becoming increasingly popular, and international partnerships are becoming more common among academic training institutions in the United States. There is need for training in the complex relational, motivational, ethical, and logistical issues that may arise in these partnerships.

Methods: We developed a 3-hour case-based session featuring four characters in a fictitious international ophthalmology partnership scenario.

Risk Factors for Meibomian Gland Disease Assessed by Meibography.

Purpose: To elucidate risk factors for meibomian gland disease (MGD) and understand associated changes in meibography and in relation to ocular surface disease.

Patients And Methods: As part of the standard workup for ocular surface disease at a tertiary academic center, 203 patients received an ocular history and lifestyle questionnaire. The questionnaire included detailed inquiries about ocular health and lifestyle, including makeup use, cosmetic eyelid procedures, screen time, and contact lens habits.

State of the eye health system in the Pacific: is medical technology available and used by mid-level eye care workers?

Introduction: The aim of this study is to describe the availability, use and comfort with ophthalmic equipment and medications by mid-level eye care workers in Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island countries and territories as indicators of the state of eye care in the Pacific.

Methods: Health information system data, from a workforce support program to Pacific mid-level eye care workers, were analysed for availability and comfort with use of ophthalmic equipment and topical medications.

Results: For refraction equipment, access was excellent (98% for retinoscopes and trial lenses) 'very frequent use' range was 42-74% and 'high comfort of use' range was 54-86%.

3-D printed spectacles: potential, challenges and the future.

Three-dimensional (3-D) printing offers the potential to custom-produce a wide range of manufactured objects and improve manufacturing processes. The additive manufacturing process involves material (resin, metal, ceramics or biological cells) being deposited layer upon layer, which is fused to create a 3-D object. While 3-D printing has been readily available in the aerospace and automotive industries, and is being used increasingly in the medical field, its potential for optometry and ophthalmic optics has rarely been discussed in depth.

Ab interno canaloplasty combined with trabecular bypass stenting in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: Evaluate outcomes of trabecular meshwork (TM) bypass (iStent GTS100) with cataract extraction (CE) and TM-bypass + ab interno canaloplasty (CP) (VISCO360) with CE in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Setting: Private surgical center for a comprehensive ophthalmology practice.

Design: Retrospective analysis of 186 eyes from 130 consecutive patients with 6 months follow-up.

Identifying characteristic features of community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji.

Aim: The present study aimed to identify detailed characteristics of community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji.

Design: Qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured individual interviews.

Methods: Twenty participants including expert nurses, novice nurses, policymakers and representatives from communities were interviewed between July-August 2015 in Fiji.

Improved Refractive Outcomes of Small-Incision Extracapsular Cataract Surgery after Implementation of a Biometry Training Course.

Purpose: To determine whether a biometry training course could improve refractive outcomes of patients undergoing manual small-incision extracapsular cataract surgery (SICS).

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective, interventional, cohort study at the Pacific Eye Institute, Fiji. SICS refractive outcomes were evaluated before and after a structured biometry teaching course.

Demographic features and visual outcomes of patients presenting to diabetic photo-screening and treated for sight threatening retinopathy in Fiji.

Aim: To describe the demographic features and visual outcomes of patients presenting to photo-screening services, and treated for sight threatening retinopathy (STR) in a low resource setting, Fiji.

Methods: A retrospective review of all new patients who presented for diabetic photo-screening at the Diabetic Eye Clinic, Suva in 2010. Fundus images were graded using standardised guidelines.

Bilateral corneal perforation following the use of traditional herbal medicine treated with conjunctival flap.

Introduction: The harmful effect of the herbal medicine to the eye has not been well reported in the literature.

Objective: To report a case of bilateral corneal perforation following the use of traditional herbal medicine treated with conjunctival flap.

Case: A 46-year-old Fijian man initially presented with bilateral conjunctivitis, which was thought to be an allergic response to the use of herbal medicine.

Congenital orbital teratoma.

We present a case of mature congenital orbital teratoma managed with lid-sparing exenteration and dermis fat graft. This is a case report on the management of congenital orbital teratoma. A full-term baby was born in Fiji with prolapsed right globe which was surrounded by a nonpulsatile, cystic mass.

Addressing refractive error visual impairment: volunteer organisations' alignment with Vision 2020 and public health principles.

Background: Eye care professionals have been making short visits to developing countries for decades in an effort to reduce visual impairment caused by refractive error. A 2006 survey revealed that volunteer organisations were not working within the Vision 2020 framework. Recommendations were made for volunteer organisations that would better align their work with accepted Vision 2020 and public health principles.

Diabetic retinopathy in a hospital eye clinic population in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Background: To determine the presence, severity and context of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic adults using hospital eye clinic services in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Methods: Fifty consecutive known diabetic patients aged ≥20 years were interviewed and underwent Snellen distance vision testing and complete ocular examination, including dilated 90 D funduscopy. Diabetic retinopathy was graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Oedema Disease Severity Scales.