Service evaluation of child chalazion management: an orthoptist-led clinic

Background/Aim: In November 2012, a new patient pathway was introduced in the management of paediatric chalazion at the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), UK. In the new pathway, children aged two to 16 years referred by their GP to an ophthalmologist for chalazion treatment were seen, examined and managed by an orthoptist within four weeks of referral, reducing referral to treatment waiting times by half. This study aims to evaluate: new pathway utilisation; the management received from each appointment; and the overall impact of the new system. Methods: This retrospective study looked at all paediatric patients (n=24) referred to the Paediatric Ophthalmology Department at the BRI between November 2012 and November 2013. Results: Approximately 91.7% (n=22) of referrals were seen by an orthoptist. Of these, 77.3% (n=17) required no further care and were not seen again for any ongoing problems. Care or treatment of those referred to an ophthalmologist was not delayed by seeing an orthoptist at first visit. Th...