A recent inaugural DryEyeClub webinar, hosted by the Save Sight Dry Eye Registry at the Save Sight Institute (SSI), the University of Sydney, has provided an opportunity for patients with dry eye and the community to learn about the latest developments in tracking outcomes for, and treatment of, dry eye disease.
Chaired by Dr Maria Cabrera Aguas, post-doctoral researcher at SSI, presentations were made by Professor Stephanie Watson OAM, Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton AO, Dr Himal Kandel, Dr Ngozi Chidi-Egboka, and Narina Janian.
The speakers presented research highlights from the Save Sight Dry Eye Registry, updates on treatment options, and patient reported outcomes in dry eye. Speakers also discussed the benefits of the Registry from the patient perspective.
Highlighting the importance of clinical registries in ophthalmology, Prof Watson said the Save Sight Dry Eye Registry, launched in December 2020, is now being used by 35 clinicians from 27 sites in seven countries to monitor treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes. It can be used collaboratively by both optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Prof Stapleton discussed modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and presented a summary of available treatment options. With at least one in four Australians having dry eye disease, the cost of treatment is considerable. She spoke on the value of registry data in tracking treatment outcomes over the long term.
Dr Kandel, the Kornhauser Research Fellow at SSI, said the registry’s patient-reported outcome data, via questionnaires on quality of life, helps minimize the disparity between clinicians’ and patients’ perspective, enhances shared decision making, and helps identify ways to improve outcomes.
Dr Chidi-Egboka, Research Associate at the SSI, described the benefits afforded to patients by having data from their dry eye disease stored over time. The course of their disease is better understood and outcomes of treatment can be evaluated. For clinicians, the registry can benchmark their practice against other clinicians, enabling improvements in care for the benefit of patients.
Ms Janian, Advancement Portfolio Officer at the University of Sydney, highlighted the importance of research support from patients and the community.
The webinar can be accessed at youtu.be/TABfSGUiZJo.
Clinicians can use the registry without cost to monitor their practice outcomes. Visit: savesightregistries.org/fight-corneal-blindness.
