The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) in Melbourne has partnered with the World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH) to produce an instructional video for correct instillation of eye drops.
The video is designed to be used globally to teach a standardised technique for clinicians and patients, with the aim of improving compliance and health literacy.
“Many patients put their vision at risk by either not taking their eye drops regularly or not applying them properly,” said Dr Alp Atik, RVEEH glaucoma specialist. “Compliance with glaucoma medications is as low as 21%, according to some studies. Teaching a standardised technique is key to avoid unnecessary surgeries and making sure the drops are administered correctly.”
Correct use of eye drops is a shared responsibility between patient, doctor, nurse and pharmacy team, said WAEH chair Cathy Kowalewski. “The video has specifically been animated to allow for translation into any language and I would encourage all eye health professionals to share it with their patients.”
RVEEH led the improvement project in collaboration with the Wilmer Eye Centre, John Hopkins, US; Moorfield’s Eye Hospital, UK; Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Netherlands; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, US; Aravind Eye Care, India; and Singapore National Eye Centre.
