Pushing the envelope: the feasibility of using a mailed contrast sensitivity test to prioritise cataract waiting lists.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cataract waiting lists are growing globally. Pragmatic, cost-effective methods are required to prioritise the most urgent cases. Here we investigate the feasibility of using a third-party pen-and-paper contrast sensitivity, CS, test (SpotChecks^TM), delivered by mail, and performed by patients at home unsupervised, to flag eyes requiring surgery.

Methods

Pen-and-paper CS tests were mailed to 233 people waiting for a cataract assessment, along with a prepaid return envelope (cross-sectional study). Response rates were tabulated (stratified by age, sex and socioeconomic status), and test scores analysed to see how well the home tests predicted which eyes were listed subsequently for surgery. A subset of patients (N = 39) also underwent in-person follow-up

SUBMITTER: Bianchi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11385213 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature