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National Biometry Audit II.

Gale RP, Saha N, Johnston RL

Department of Ophthalmology, York Hospital, York, UK.

PURPOSE: To determine the change in compliance with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists biometry guidelines since the last National Audit 2 years ago and in particular to quantify the adoption of modern methods of axial length measurement and customization of A constants. METHOD: A structured telephone questionnaire of individuals who perform biometry in all eye departments in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: A biometrist was interviewed in 94 of the 178 United Kingdom Ophthalmology departments. Compared with 2 years ago, nurses alone perform biometry more frequently (67 vs 51%) and junior doctors less frequently (9 vs 15%). More biometrists now attend external training courses (45 vs 37%). The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommended intraocular lens calculation formulae (SRK-T, Hoffer Q, and Holladay) are used more commonly (30 and 15%) and audit of prediction error is being performed more frequently (78 vs 71%). The routine use of a partial coherence laser interferometry has increased from 35 to 61% in United Kingdom Ophthalmology departments. Currently, only one United Kingdom department is routinely using immersion ultrasound biometry. 'A' constants are customized in 47% of departments. CONCLUSION: Over the last 2 years, there has been improved implementation of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines on biometry. It is essential that the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines are updated to include current best practice of routine use of partial coherence laser interferometry or immersion biometry and customization of A constants. A benchmark standard of 85-90% of patients achieving a final postoperative refraction within 1 dioptre of the predicted should be established.

Published 5 January 2006 in Eye, 20(1): 25-8.
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