In an Australian first, an app has been developed to help ophthalmologists remain up to date with relevant medications used to treat eye conditions worldwide.
The ophthalmic pharmacopeia application for iPads and iPhones has been developed by Sydney Eye Hospital (SSEH) and the University of Sydney.
Treatment of eye conditions frequently requires the use of medications that are not commercially available in Australia.
Judith Hampson, Chief Pharmacist, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, said the new app provides valuable advice to doctors and pharmacists on where to source products, which can be difficult to find.
“This application is the first of its kind. It provides free of charge, easily accessible, up-to-date and evidence based information on ophthalmic medications for clinicians that were previously very difficult and time consuming to obtain,” said Ms. Hampson.
Professor Peter McCluskey, Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Save Sight Institute University of Sydney said it was recognised that an eye pharmacopoeia would be a beneficial resource, especially if made available via a mobile application.
“The major advantage over written texts is the accessibility and ease of timely updates to reflect changes in practice,” said Professor McCluskey. To create the application, the Pharmacy and Ophthalmology Departments and the Discipline of Ophthalmology generated a list of over 100 ophthalmic medications used in the past five years.
“Medications were compiled into various classes that are listed on the main screen and the user can then scroll between drugs within each class,” said Ms. Hampson.
The application also includes a search option which enables the user to enter part of a generic or brand name to quickly access the required information.
Dr. Pauline Rumma, Director of Clinical Services, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, said the application was initially trialled among Sydney Eye Hospital staff, however, in December 2014, it became available free on the iTunes store with around 500 downloads nationally and internationally in the first six months.
“The number of downloads for such a specialised application since its release indicates that there is a need for resources to be readily available for integrated ophthalmic care in both hospital and community settings,” said Dr. Rumma.
“Our clinicians are spread down the east coast, from Darwin to Hobart. Improved access to this information allows them to ensure patients receive treatment in a timely manner, which contributes to better patient outcomes.”
This initiative was sponsored by a grant from the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation.
An Android version will soon be available.
