ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The main purpose of the study was to examine and identify factors that influence the future practice pattern of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology residents as well as their academic goals. This study also aimed to compare the plans and career goals of the current Saudi ophthalmology residents with a former cohort of Saudi ophthalmology residents. METHODS: All current residents of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology were invited to complete an anonymous online survey in March 2017. Residents were contacted by email. The survey contained questions on demographics, plans and factors influencing career choice of the residents in their future. Data were categorized by gender. Chi-square was used to assess the effect of gender on outcomes where appropriate. RESULTS: Of 150 residents surveyed, 91 (61%) responded to the survey. Having the ability to combine medicine and surgery was the most motivating factor for pursuing an ophthalmology residency training program (81% of respondents). Most residents expressed an interest in providing refractive surgery (62%), being involved in research activities (85%) and working part-time in the private sector (73%). The majority (81%) expressed a desire to practice in an urban setting as well as pursuing fellowship training (81%). Anterior segment (31%) and surgical retina (15%) were the most popular choices for fellowship training. CONCLUSION: Increasing interest in joining fellowship training programs (mostly in surgical subspecialties) and being involved in research activities among current generation of ophthalmology residents have been observed compared to a previous cohort study in the same country.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We studied the validity, usefulness, and relative cost to detect diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sight-threatening DR (STDR) by using a hand-held electrophysiologic tool compared to digital fundus photography. METHOD: Patients with diabetes attending the screening unit of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were evaluated by "RETeval", Amsler grid, and digital dilated fundus photography. Fundus images were evaluated by a retina specialist to determine grade of DR. The sensitivity and specificity of STDR and DR screening compared to photography were calculated, as well as "RETeval" combined with Amsler grid testing. The area under the curve (AUC) of "RETeval" screening outcome was calculated. RESULT: We analyzed data of 400 diabetic patients. The prevalence of DR of any grade was 48.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.9-53.7) while the prevalence of STDR was 27% (95% CI, 22.6-31.4). The outcome of RETeval test was "fail" (based on 20 µV or more amplitude of electrophysiologic spikes) in 351 (87.8%; 95% CI, 84.5-91.0) eyes. The sensitivity of the device was 95.4% and the specificity was 17.5%. Thus, the sensitivity of sequential testing with RETeval and Amsler grid test was 30.1% and the specificity was 80.1%. The AUCs for STDR and DR in general were 76.6% and 50.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: "RETeval" is a rapid screening device with excellent sensitivity for detecting STDR. It has potential as a first level screening tool to detect patients who require further evaluation. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Retinal function, such as electrophysiology, can be used as a new concept for screening for DR.