Understanding practice patterns of glaucoma sub-specialists in India.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Glaucoma management requires adherence to established diagnostic and treatment protocols.
• Understanding current practice patterns is crucial for identifying areas of consistency and divergence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevailing practice patterns of glaucoma specialists in India.
• To identify areas of conformance and diversity in glaucoma diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 146 glaucoma specialists attending the Glaucoma Society of India (GSI) conference in 2013.
• Utilized an interactive audience response system for data collection.

Main Results:

• Majority use Goldmann applanation tonometry (72%) and stereoscopic optic disc examination (86%).
• Optical coherence tomography (72%) is preferred for imaging; laser iridotomy (93%) for angle closure and prostaglandin analogues (78%) for open-angle glaucoma.
• Significant variation exists in surgical management, with only 28% performing both trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device implantation, and 47% not operating on congenital glaucoma.

Conclusions:

• Indian glaucoma specialists demonstrate adherence to preferred practices in many diagnostic and management areas.
• Diversity in specific practices necessitates further strategies for enhancing glaucoma care and planning future interventions in India.