Goldmann tonometer calibration: a national survey

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Device Calibration
• Clinical Quality Assurance

Background:

• Goldmann tonometers are prone to calibration errors (CEs) during clinical use.
• Regular checks are essential to maintain tonometer accuracy and reliable patient measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current practices for Goldmann tonometer calibration error checks in the UK.
• To assess the perceived responsibility for these checks among senior nursing staff in ophthalmology clinics.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide telephone survey was conducted with senior nurses in 155 UK ophthalmology units.
• The questionnaire focused on tonometer calibration practices and views on responsibility for CE checks.

Main Results:

• A significant majority of units (39.4%) reported never or randomly checking for CEs.
• Responsibility for CE checks was variably attributed to departments (40.6%), doctors (31.0%), or nurses (28.4%).
• Only 5.2% of units performed daily checks, with most checks occurring less frequently.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a lack of consistent and frequent calibration error checks for Goldmann tonometers in the UK.
• Discrepancies in perceived responsibility between doctors and nurses may contribute to inadequate calibration practices.
• Establishing clear protocols for monthly CE checks is recommended to ensure tonometer accuracy.