Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Ophthalmology: Making Antimicrobial Resistance Visible

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in veterinary ophthalmology.
• Current prescribing decisions often lack data on local resistance patterns.
• This limits effective treatment and stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce aggregated antibiograms as a tool for veterinary ophthalmology.
• To improve situational awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
• To support antimicrobial stewardship in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of aggregated antibiograms as a practical tool.
• Analysis of perioperative antibiotic use in cataract surgery as a case study.
• Highlighting the benefit of accumulated data for ophthalmic practices.

Main Results:

• Aggregated antibiograms provide contextual information for empirical treatment.
• They encourage reflection on routine antimicrobial prescribing habits.
• Systematic use can inform treatment decisions, though not directly quantify AMR reduction.

Conclusions:

• Aggregated antibiograms are a feasible and actionable step toward responsible antimicrobial use.
• Increased visibility of resistance patterns aids clinical decision-making.
• This approach has implications for both clinical practice and One Health considerations.