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. 2023 Dec;37(17):3643-3647.
doi: 10.1038/s41433-023-02572-2. Epub 2023 May 24.

Is an image-based eyelid management service safe and effective?

Matthew Gillam  1 , Osman Younus  2 , Shi-Pei Loo  2 , Julie Connolly  2 , Paul Cauchi  2 , Marilena Gregory  2 , Suzy Drummond  2 , Vikas Chadha  3
Affiliations

Is an image-based eyelid management service safe and effective?

Matthew Gillam et al. Eye (Lond). 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic created a requirement for reduced patient contact and reduced capacity in clinics. We previously published results of an Image-Based Eyelid Lesion Management Service (IBELMS) which was found non-inferior to traditional face-to-face clinic at diagnosing lesions and identifying eyelid malignancies. We now present first-year safety and efficacy data from this service.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively on all patients seen in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde eyelid photography clinics from 30th September 2020 to 29th September 2021, including referral source and diagnosis, time to clinic review, treatment and patient outcomes.

Results: 808 patients were included in the study. Chalazion was the most common diagnoses recorded (38.4%). There was a statistically significant decrease in mean time from referral to appointment time between the first 4 months and last 4 months of the service (93 days to 22 days, p ≤ 0.0001). 266 (33%) of patients were discharged following photographs, 45 (6%) were discharged for non-attendance and 371 (46%) were booked for a minor procedure. 13 biopsy-confirmed malignant lesions were identified; only 3 had been referred as suspected malignancy. 23 patients out of 330 with at least 6 months follow up (7%) were re-referred within 6 months of treatment or discharge; however, none of them with a missed periocular malignancy.

Discussion: Eyelid photography clinics effectively reduce patient waiting times and maximise clinic capacity. They accurately identify eyelid lesions including malignancies with a low re-referral rate. We propose that an image-based service for eyelid lesions is a safe and effective way of managing such patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Referral sources.
Sources of referral for all patients referred to the IBELMS clinic.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. IBELMS Clinic Outcomes.
Outcomes from all patients referred to the IBELMS clinic.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Suspected malignancies.
Flowchart for patients with suspected malignancies during IBELMS clinic pathway.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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