Is an image-based eyelid management service safe and effective?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated reduced patient contact and clinic capacity.
• Previous research established the non-inferiority of an Image-Based Eyelid Lesion Management Service (IBELMS) compared to traditional clinics for diagnosing eyelid lesions and malignancies.
• This study presents the first-year safety and efficacy data of the IBELMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an Image-Based Eyelid Lesion Management Service (IBELMS) in its first year of operation.
• To assess the impact of IBELMS on patient waiting times and clinic capacity.
• To analyze diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and re-referral rates for eyelid lesions managed via IBELMS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data collection from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde eyelid photography clinics (September 2020 - September 2021).
• Inclusion of 808 patients, analyzing referral source, diagnosis, time to review, treatment, and outcomes.
• Statistical analysis of wait times and re-referral rates.

Main Results:

• Chalazion was the most frequent diagnosis (38.4%).
• Mean referral-to-appointment time decreased significantly from 93 to 22 days (p≤0.0001).
• 13 biopsy-confirmed malignant lesions were identified, with a low re-referral rate (7%) and no missed periocular malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Eyelid photography clinics effectively reduce patient waiting times and optimize clinic capacity.
• The IBELMS accurately identifies eyelid lesions, including malignancies, with a low re-referral rate.
• An image-based service for eyelid lesions represents a safe and effective patient management strategy.