A survey was distributed to all optometric members of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association. Optometric trainees were excluded. The survey comprised of 7 questions covering practice details, proximity to a stroke centre, frequency of diagnosing central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), time to presentation for RAO, referral patterns and willingness to contact stroke care for treatment. A total of 1926 optometrists completed the survey (6% return rate). The majority worked in outpatient practices (73%), with most optometrists located within 30 minutes of a stroke centre (77%). Only 46% had diagnosed at least 1 CRAO (range 1–5) and 67% had diagnosed BRAO within the previous 12 months. Only 28% of CRAO were seen within 4 hours of onset. Referral pathways varied: 44% were referred to a hospital with a stroke centre, 40% to outpatient ophthalmology and 13% to a hospital without a stroke centre. This study has highlighted the need to improve education for optometrists around CRAO and BRAO to be considered medical emergencies equivalent to stroke and to strengthen care pathways.
Care of central and branch retinal artery occlusion by optometrists
Reviewed by Lauren Hepworth
Optometric practice patterns for acute central and branch retinal artery occlusion.
CONTRIBUTOR
Lauren R Hepworth
University of Liverpool; Honorary Stroke Specialist Clinical Orthoptist, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust; St Helen’s and Knowsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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