Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Eyecare Practitioner Reluctance To Fit Children With Contact Lenses, Claire E. Mcdonnell

Conference Papers

Purpose: Myopia control strategies in the form of contact lenses and spectacles have been commercially available to eyecare practitioners in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) since 2017 and 2021 respectively. The aim of this research was to determine the level of adoption of these strategies among independent eyecare practitioners in the RoI.

Methods: In order to establish the number of practices offering myopia control contact lenses, examination of independent practices’ websites was made to see whether or not they mentioned myopia control. Phone calls were made to practices identified in this way, to ascertain if they were actually offering myopia …

Corneal Sensitivity In Normal Subjects As Measured Using The Cochet-Bonnet Aesthesiometer, Claire E. Mcdonnell, Clara Boland, Kayinat Khalid, Muno Osman

Conference Papers

Aim: The aims of this research were; to establish a range of values for corneal sensitivity in normal subjects as measured using the Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer; to determine if the measurement of corneal sensitivity in one eye affected subsequent measurements in the fellow eye; and to determine if there is a difference in corneal sensitivity between fellow eyes.

Methods: Thirty four subjects aged between 18 and 30 who did not wear contact lenses had their central corneal sensitivity measured in both eyes. The average of three readings was taken as the measurement for each eye. In 15 subjects, measurement was taken …

Progressive Lenses And Acute Anisomentropia, Alena Lane

Conference Papers

The aim of the poster is to demonstrate that presbyopic patients with acute anisometropia can continue using progressive lenses. Acute or induced anisometropia occurs when a sudden change in the prescription is introduced. A typical example of this occurs following the cataract operation to one eye. The problem arises when the difference in refractive power of both eyes after the operation is 2.00D and more. The difference in lens power can cause the eyes to see different size images and lead to difficulties in fusing them. Additionally, when an image is viewed off axis through the spectacle lens away from …

What Type Of Soft Contact Lens Works Best For Reverse Piggyback?, Claire E. Mcdonnell, Emma Chaney, Tara Kennedy, Aoife Farrell

Conference Papers

Aim

To determine which type of soft contact lens works best in a reverse piggyback lens system.

Background

A reverse piggyback lens system comprises of a soft contact lens worn over a rigid gas permeable lens. Several uses of this system include prevention of rigid gas permeable lens decentration during sporting activities and reduction of rigid gas permeable lens intolerance due to lid sensitivity.

Methods

Four different types of soft contact lenses; Senofilcon A, Omafilcon A, Etafilcon A and Delefilcon A, were assessed in a reverse piggyback system, in both eyes of twelve subjects (n=24). Over refraction, best corrected visual …

Myopia Control In The Republic Of Ireland, Claire E. Mcdonnell, Adebola Obadare, Muno Osman, Sinead Redmond

Conference Papers

Purpose: to estimate how many independent optical practices in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) are offering myopia control options to patients and parents.

Methods: 346 independent optical practices were identified in the ROI using a listing provided on the Association of Optometrists Ireland website. All practices identified were emailed to ask if they practised any myopia control. Practice websites (where available) were examined to see if myopia control was mentioned as a service offered. Some practices believed to be offering myopia control were phoned directly to ascertain if they were practising myopia control. This research was carried out between Feb …

A Comparison Of Dietary Intake Of Children/Adolescents With And Without Myopia, Niamh Burke, John Butler, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, James Loughman

Conference Papers

Myopia is caused by an eye which has grown too long. The prevalence of myopia has increased drastically in recent years and half of the world’s population is expected to be myopic by 2050.(1) Consequently, a significant increase in sight threatening diseases will follow.(1) Myopia most commonly develops in youth, and we now know that environmental factors affect its development. Nutritional status strongly influences growth and development, including that of the eye. It has been hypothesised, therefore, that nutrition may play a role in this excessive eye growth. Current findings are conflicted, with a clear gap in the evidence.(2,3) Therefore, …

Comparison Of Two Methods Of Determining Central Corneal Vault Under A Scleral Lens: Estimation By Slit Lamp Biomicroscope And Anterior Segment Oct, Claire E. Mcdonnell, Darragh O'Donnell, Lynn O'Mara, Shannon Power

Conference Papers

Purpose: The aim of this study was to ascertain if there is agreement in the measurement of central corneal vault (CCV) under a scleral lens, between estimations made using a slit lamp biomicroscope (SLB) and measurements made using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Method: 30 images were taken of CCV under various scleral lenses using a SLB and an AS-OCT. Estimations of CCV from SLB photographs were made using known thicknesses of the scleral lenses used and imagej software. The in-built measurement callipers was used to measure CCV on the AS-OCT. Right eyes were imaged on the AS-OCT first …

Development Of Sensitive Holographic Devices For Physiological Metal Ion Detection, Sabad-E- Gul, Suzanne Martin, John Cassidy, Izabela Naydenova

Conference Papers

The development of selective alkali metal ions sensors in particular is a subject of significant interest. In this respect, the level of blood electrolytes, particularly H+, Na+, K+ and Cl- , is widely used to monitor aberrant physiologies associated with pulmonary emphysema, acute and chronic renal failure, heart failure, diabetes. The sensors reported in this paper are created by holographic recording of surface relief structures in a self-processing photopolymer material. The structures are functionalized by ionophores dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DC) and tetraethyl 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (TBC) in plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. Interrogation of these structures by light allows indirect measurements of chemical analytes’ …

An Economic Analysis Of The Impact Of Refractive Error In Mozambique, Stephen Thompson

Conference Papers

Mozambique eyecare project carried out in June 2013 to estimate the socio-economic benefit of an Optometry Programme by calculating the benefits of addressing refractive error in terms of productivity gained as a result of the intervention.

Considerations In The Design Of An Eye Health Programme For Nampula, Mozambique, Aoife Phelan, Lisa O'Donoghue, Kovin Naidoo, Kathryn Saunders, James Loughman

Conference Papers

Introduction/Purpose:

There are almost twelve million children (<18 >years) in Mozambique with minimal access to eye care. [1] Annual screening of school children by teachers for uncorrected refractive error is one of the most cost effective health interventions in Sub Saharan Africa.[2] The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has recommended that child eye health interventions be incorporated into National School Health Initiatives.[3]

In view of the IAPB position this presentation sets out to identify and discuss the main considerations in the design of a child eye health strategy, for the province of Nampula, Mozambique, which aligns itself …

Evaluations Of Exit Competencies Of Optometrists In Mozambique, Kajal Shah, James Loughman

Conference Papers

Introduction: The appropriate education for eye health workers is a key determinant of sustainable eye health care systems, and the solution to avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The Mozambique Eye care Project (MEP), is developing the country's first indigenously trained optometrists using a competency-based education curriculum.

Aims: The principal aim is to evaluate the exit clinical competencies of the first optometry graduates in Mozambique and to inform the evaluation of the competency curriculum.

Methods: Using UK based competencies as a benchmark; nine final year students were examined to assess competences in six core subjects.Further information about factors relating to their …

The Development Of A Public Optometry System In Mozambique: A Cost Benefit Analysis, Stephen Thompson, James Loughman

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Student Experience In Optometry Education In Mozambique: Initial Challenges In An International Collaborative Program, Kajal Shah

Conference Papers

Purpose:

One of the solutions to creating sustainable eye care structures is education of personnel. Mozambique currently has only 17 ophthalmologists for a population of 21 million and 34 trained Ophthalmic Technicians, the only two providers of refraction services within the local health system. There are no optometrists. The Mozambique Eyecare Project is funding the training of the country’s first optometrists at the University of Lurio in Nampula, Mozambique. Their core competencies will be evaluated with a view to creating best practise in education in a developing world environment.

Method:

This is a longitudinal evaluation of the refraction competencies …

Faculty Requirement For A Portuguese Language Optometry Program: Experience And Challenges Of The Mozambique Eye Care Project, Diane Wallace

Conference Papers

Faculty recruitment for a Portuguese-language optometry program: experiences and challenges of The Mozambique Eye Care Project

Ms Diane Wallace BOptom, MPA

University of KawZulu Natal, South Africa

Purpose

The Mozambique Eyecare Project (MEP) is a unique institutional collaboration in a programme for the development, implementation and evaluation of a regional optometry training model for Portuguese-speaking Africa. The Project was initiated in February 2009 with the first cohort of undergraduate students beginning classes at Lúrio University in Northern Mozambique. This is the first Portuguese-language optometry program in Africa, and with no professionally qualified optometrists locally, faculty had to be recruited from …

Primary School Vision Screening Involving Teachers In Nampula, Mozambique., Aoife Phelan

Conference Papers

Purpose

There is no plan for a national child eye care programme or existing human resource infrastructure to address the immediate challenge of child eye health in Mozambique. Furthermore, the prevalence and incidence of refractive error, visual impairment (VI) and child blindness (CB) in Mozambique is unknown. VI and CB have devastating personal, developmental, economic and other implications for the child, the family, the community and indeed, the nation. This study aims to design, implement and evaluate a school based paediatric vision screening service, to identify those in need of eye health services, among Mozambique’s 11,561,000 children.

Methods

Primary School …

Evaluation Of Refraction Skills And Competencies Of Ophthalmic Technicians:Providers Of Refractive Services In Mozambique, Kajal Shah, James Loughman

Conference Papers

Purpose

Approximately 314 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness.145 million people's low vision is due to uncorrected refractive errors¹.One of the solutions to creating sustainable eye care structures is education of personnel².

The Technological University Dublin (DIT) with ICEE (International Centre of Eyecare Education) is developing and implementing a sustainable model for optometric education and eye care service delivery in Unilurio in Mozambique.The Mozambique Eyecare Project aims to train Mozambique’s first professional optometrists who will provide a sustainable and comprehensive eye-care system as an integral part of the national health system³. …

Addressing Uncorrected Refractive Error Through Human Resource Development In The Context Of Mozambique, Stephen Thompson, James Loughman, Prasidh Ramson, Luigi Bilotto, Kovin Naidoo

Conference Papers

This paper presents results from a national situational analysis. An International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) tool was used to map current eye care services recorded including human resource and equipment. Data was analysed against VISION 2020 Human Resource targets.

Evaluation Of Ophthalmic Technicians, Refractive Service Providers In Mozambique, Kajal Shah

Conference Papers

Background

One of the solutions to creating sustainable eye care structures is education of personnel.The Technological University Dublin (DIT) with ICEE (International Centre of Eyecare Education) is developing and implementing a sustainable model for optometric education and eye care service delivery in Unilurio in Mozambique.The Mozambique Eyecare Project aims to train Mozambique’s first professional optometrists who will provide a sustainable and comprehensive eye-care system as an integral part of the national health system. Mozambique currently has only 15 ophthalmologists for a population of 21 million and 34 trained Ophthalmic Technicians the only providers of refraction services within the local health …

Primary School Vision Screening Involving Teachers In Nampula, Mozambique, Aoife Phelan, Lisa O'Donoghue, Kathryn Saunders, Stephen Thompson, Vivien Ocampo, Kevin Naidoo, James Loughman

Conference Papers

Purpose: There is no plan for a national child eye care programme or existing human resource infrastructure to address the immediate challenge of child eye health in Mozambique.This study aims to design, implement and evaluate a school based pediatric vision screening service, to identify those in need of eye care services, among Mozambique’s 11,561,000 children.

Methods: Primary School Screening took place in three schools in Nampula, Mozambique in September 2010 and March 2011. The children’s vision was screened by an optometry student, optometrist or teacher with Log MAR ETDRS letters at 4 Meters. Ophthalmoscopy was performed on all children by …

Addressing The Burden Of Uncorrected Refractive Error In Mozambique, Stephen Thompson, James Loughman, Prasidh Ramson, Luigi Bilotti, Geoff Harris, Kovin Naidoo

Conference Papers

A situational analysis indicates a lack of eye health personnel who can and do refract. The logical course of action would be to train more eye health personnel. A conservative estimated annual burden of URE in lost productivity in Mozambique is $14,486,692. To achieve the V2020 target ratio, an extra 184 workers are needed in six provinces analysed.The analysis assumes the existing personnel are well trained and dedicate time to offering a refraction service. It also assumes that the patient receives the care they require. Other aspects of the situational analysis suggest this is currently not always the case. A …

The Mozambique Eyecare Programme – A Partnership Which Addresses Avoidable Blindness In Lusophone Africa, Aoife Phelan, James Loughman, Eva Doyle

Conference Papers

According to the WHO about 831 million people are visually impaired worldwide, 45 million of them are blind. Most people with visual impairment are older, and females are more at risk at every age, in every part of the world. Uncorrected Refractive Error accounts for over half of all visual impairment. About 87% of the worlds visually impaired live in developing countries. The Mozambique Eyecare Programme (MEP) is a cross institutional collaboration between governments, higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations and corporations. The aims of this Programme are to collaborate to provide a sustainable solution to the problem of avoidable blindness …