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Abstract #22102 Published in IGR 10-4
Incorporation of a virtual assessment into a care pathway for initial glaucoma management: Feasibility study
Rathod D; Win T; Pickering S; Austin MWClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2008; 36: 543-546
PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of a glaucoma triage assessment based on the consideration of clinical data in a virtual clinic environment. METHODS: One hundred consecutive new patients were assessed by masked observers for a possible diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension by evaluation of clinical data compiled by a technician in the absence of the patient. The virtual clinic diagnoses were compared with those made by actual examination of the patient in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: A total of 22% of subjects were excluded from interobserver comparison because of atypical scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Of the 78% of subjects completing virtual and actual clinical assessments diagnostic agreement was good, weighted Κ was of 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 0.59), sensitivity 94.4% and specificity 86.7%. No case of glaucoma was misdiagnosed as normal by virtual assessment. CONCLUSION: Clinical findings and data relating to glaucoma may be evaluated in a virtual clinic with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy.
Dr. M.W. Austin, Department of Ophthalmology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea SA2 8QA, UK. Mike.austin@swansea-tr.wales.nhs.uk
