Development of a Clinical Instructional Module Based On Current Prescribing Trends For Common Anterior Segment Diagnoses.

Background: The pharmaceutical industry is constantly developing new therapeutic
agents to aid in the efficacious treatment of ophthalmic disorders. This ever-evolving
landscape adds a level of complexity to optometric practice and education that may be
addressed by the utilization of a clinical instructional module. The purpose of this ·
research is to obtain survey data regarding current prescribing patterns of practicing
optometrists for the treatment of eight common anterior segment diagnoses. The data
acquired from the survey were combined with a comprehensive literature review and
used to develop an instructional module aimed at increasing student familiarity with
prescribing commonly utilized treatment regimens. Methods: An electronic web-based survey was distributed to approximately 750 members of the Michigan Optometric Association. The survey addressed eight common anterior segment diagnoses including moderate dry eye, adenoviral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal metallic foreign body, bacterial corneal ulcer, mild anterior uveitis, epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD, Cogan's, Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy), and mild seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. The survey provided a number of treatment options, all of which were prudent treatments, and asked that the clinician choose which treatment option(s) they would ideally choose to prescribe for each diagnosis. Results: There were eightynine respondents to the survey. The survey data were analyzed for overall trends, and an instructional module was developed in the form of a sample prescription pad. Conclusions: Optometrists employ a variety of methods to treat common anterior
segment disorders, but trends were established for each of the diagnoses addressed in the survey. A literature review confirmed the validity of the treatment options selected by respondents.