title: Therapeutic treatment of keratoconus: a survey of local optometric practice criteria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Defining the threshold for therapeutic and surgical intervention in patients with keratoconus presents a considerable challenge given the lack of clear, evidence-based data. Little is known about the patterns of practice and referral criteria of optometrists within Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  All members of the NSW branch of Optometrist Association Australia were invited to complete an online survey in January 2013. This survey was designed to elicit practice information regarding the evaluation and therapeutic treatment of patients with keratoconus in the optometric setting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses were received from 71 optometrists, of whom 65.2 per cent had 15 years or greater experience as an optometrist. Many (35.4 per cent) responded that they prescribed soft contact lenses daily. This percentage dropped to 9.2 per cent for rigid gas-permeable lenses (RGP), although 47.7 per cent said they would prescribe RGP lenses at least once per month. The main barriers to prescribing were experience with fitting RGP lenses, time and low market demand. In terms of patient referral to an ophthalmologist, the results were variable, with 34.4 per cent stating that they would refer on progression of corneal signs, 23.4 per cent suggesting no set time and 7.8 per cent would refer on initial diagnosis. Many optometrists (62.9 per cent) would refer a patient for possible surgery, when visual acuity dropped to between 6/9 and 6/12. The size or location of the practice was not associated with the number of newly diagnosed cases of keratoconus. Optometrists with greater experience were more likely to prescribe RGP lenses and co-manage patients with ophthalmologists. Ownership of a corneal topographic unit suggested an increased likelihood of prescribing RGP lenses but did not appear to alter referral patterns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Optometrists have an integral role in the diagnosis and management of patients with keratoconus. Our survey provides a basic snapshot of current, local practice. Additionally, ophthalmology should continue to work with optometry to develop guidelines for referral and co-management to optimise future outcomes for our patients.
authors.affiliation: Vision Eye Institute Chatswood, NSW, Australia.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hodge
authors.affiliation: Vision Eye Institute Chatswood, NSW, Australia.|School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Vision Eye Institute Chatswood, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zantos
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.|The Eye Practice, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kokkinakis
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stapleton
authors.affiliation: Vision Eye Institute Chatswood, NSW, Australia. christopher.hodge@visioneyeinstitute.com.au.|Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. christopher.hodge@visioneyeinstitute.com.au.|Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. christopher.hodge@visioneyeinstitute.com.au.
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sutton
mesh_terms: D003261:Contact Lenses; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009907:Optometry; D014792:Visual Acuity
keywords: RGP; guidelines; keratoconus; optometry