Beliefs and Attitudes of Ophthalmologists Regarding SLT as First Line Therapy for Glaucoma.

PRECIS Targeted educational interventions for physicians may be useful in increasing adoption of selective laser trabeculoplasty as first line therapy for the treatment of glaucoma. PURPOSE Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a safe and effective first line treatment for glaucoma, however, it is underutilized. To evaluate barriers for the widespread adoption of this procedure, we assessed the beliefs and attitudes of ophthalmologists. We developed an educational intervention directed to physicians to increase the consideration of selective laser trabeculoplasty earlier in the glaucoma treatment paradigm. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this prospective study, an online survey and educational slide presentation was sent to a group of comprehensive ophthalmologists, ophthalmology residents, and glaucoma specialists. Subjects were asked to respond to questions regarding their beliefs and attitudes towards selective laser trabeculoplasty before and after watching the educational slide presentation. RESULTS A total of 53 subjects were enrolled. Prior to watching the slide presentation, 85% of subjects stated they offer selective laser trabeculoplasty to newly diagnosed patients, although only 28% preferred it over medications. Although 52% of physicians reported between 0-10% of their newly diagnosed patients receive laser therapy, 47% said they would use it as a first line therapy for all or most newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. Most subjects (94%) stated the educational slide presentation convinced them that selective laser trabeculoplasty is appropriate as a first line therapy for treatment of open angle glaucoma. CONCLUSION A better understanding of the barriers for utilizing selective laser trabeculoplasty as a first line therapy provides valuable information to help increase the adoption of this safe and effective procedure. A targeted educational intervention may improve acceptance of selective laser trabeculoplasty as first line therapy for open angle glaucoma.