Ophthalmology Services at Student-Run Free Clinics: A National Survey

ImportanceStudent-run free clinics (SRFCs) primarily service the uninsured and are a unique way for medical students to gain hands-on exposure to ophthalmology. The free clinic model takes many different forms- some with episodic and longitudinal models-- and this is mirrored in corresponding eye services.ObjectiveTo describe SRFC ophthalmology services nationwide.DesignThis was a telephone survey study administered from June through July of 2018.SettingThis study surveyed medical school SRFC clinics across the United States.ParticipantsSurvey request was sent to 19 SRFCs previously identified as having ophthalmology services via internet search. Fourteen SRFCs (73%) participated; participants were either student clinic leaders or medical directors. One respondent no longer had a distinct eye clinic so was excluded from relevant results.Main Outcome and MeasureCharacteristics of ophthalmology SRFCs including participants, frequency of sessions, common diagnoses treated, and challenges encountered were assessed through this survey.ResultsOn average, each SRFC provided 5.15 hours per month of ophthalmology services. The mean number of medical students involved per session was 8.7. Lack of infrastructure to ensure adequate patient follow-up and faculty recruiting were cited as the main challenges in providing ophthalmology services. Most SRFC leaders indicated exposure to ophthalmology and practice with the exam as the main experiences that students sought and achieved. The most common conditions treated were refractive error (92.3%) and diabetic retinopathy (69.2%).ConclusionThere are a small number of SRFCs that have ophthalmology services, and they share common features in terms of participants, staffing, and, barriers to sustainability. Ophthalmology services at SRFCs offer a unique venue for medical students to gain exposure to an under-represented field in medical school curricula. The growth of this critical venue for medical student training could be enhanced by recruitment strategies aimed at ophthalmology faculty with a strong interest in service and teaching.     

Amelioration of Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis in Rabbit by Topical Administration of Tacrolimus Proglycosome Nano-Vesicles

This work was aimed to improve the efficacy of tacrolimus in the treatment of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) using propylene glycol modified lipid vesicles termed as proglycosome nano-vesicles (PNVs). PNVs were prepared by modified film hydration method. Experimental uveitis in rabbit eye was induced by an intravitreal injection of 20 μL of the endotoxin solution containing 100 ng of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin. In vivo efficacy of PNVs was determined by studying clinical symptoms of uveitis using slit lamp examination and by quantitatively measuring levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, leukocytes and total proteins in aqueous humor, 24 h after intravitreal injection of endotoxin. Comparison was made with healthy, untreated and tacrolimus solution treated eyes. PNVs developed were nano-sized, deformable and showed sustained release of tacrolimus over period of 12 h. In vivo results indicated statistically significant difference between the effects of PNVs in the treatment of EIU compared to tacrolimus. PNV treatment not only subsides clinical symptoms of uveitis but also prevented breakdown of blood aqueous barrier. Tacrolimus loaded PNVs are potential new topical treatment for uveitis.     

眼科专用冷热敷眼罩的制作与应用

冷敷能降低局部组织的新陈代谢，减少炎性渗出，降低受损组织感觉冲动的传入［1］。同时，局部受冷，血管立刻收缩，血流量减少，能达到减少渗血、瘀血及血肿形成的目的［2］。     

Ophthalmological injuries associated with fractures of the orbitozygomaticomaxillary complex

Our aim was to evaluate ophthalmological injuries associated with fractures of the orbitozygomaticomaxillary complex that required operative treatment, and we collected data retrospectively over a period of five years (2012-2016 inclusive). Of the 190 patients, 162 were male with a median age of 31 (IQR 25 -39) years. Assault was the most common mechanism of injury (125/190, 66%). Minor ophthalmic injuries (those unlikely to cause permanent visual disturbance) and major ophthalmic injuries (those with the potential to cause permanent visual disturbance) were recorded. The common minor ophthalmic injuries were: diplopia, enophthalmos, proptosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage, and restriction of the extraocular muscles. Commotio retinae, traumatic mydriasis, retro-orbital haemorrhage, and hyphaema were the common major ophthalmic injuries. All 13 different major ophthalmic injuries were recorded in the group who had had orbital fractures reconstructed, which suggested that more intraocular damage can be caused by this type of fracture than by others. Visual acuity was reduced in 26/190 patients with only four having persistent postoperative changes at six weeks. The odds ratio for those patients who had a major ophthalmological injury and were unable to drive was 0.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.21, p = 0.001), which was highly significant. Ophthalmological assessment is strongly recommended for patients with fractures of the orbitozygomaticomaxillary complex.     

Future ophthalmology practice pattern: A survey of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology residents

Purpose

The main purpose of the study was to examine and identify factors that influence the future practice pattern of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology residents as well as their academic goals. This study also aimed to compare the plans and career goals of the current Saudi ophthalmology residents with a former cohort of Saudi ophthalmology residents.