Retinal detachments are a potentially sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency that may result in significant, irreversible vision loss. The risk of developing retinal detachment increases with advancing age, myopia and trauma. Pre-existing retinal degenerations can precipitate a pre-detachment symptomatic period of photopsia or floaters, allowing clinicians to intervene early and prevent detachments. Novel imaging techniques, such as spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and well-established topographic modalities, such as B scan, can help to elucidate the type of detachment and any underlying causes, and help with surgical management. The overarching goal of treatment is to identify and seal all retinal holes, relieve vitreoretinal traction and prevent further recurrence. Prompt prophylactic retinopexy of retinal holes and tears is crucial in preventing retinal detachment, the main treatments of which are pars plana vitrectomy, tamponading agents and silicone scleral buckle.

Introduction Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are the most frequently performed outpatient procedure in the UK. Ophthalmic allied healthcare professionals are replacing medical professionals in delivering injections nationwide. The use of injection assist devices such as Precivia® has been well established and increasingly adopted to aid in their safe delivery. We present outcomes of nurse-led intravitreal injections using the Precivia® injection assist device over a five-year period in the UK. Methods A retrospective review was completed of all anti-VEGF intravitreal injections delivered at the Great Western Hospital between May 2015 and May 2020. Results Over the five-year study period, 2318 patients underwent a total of 26,923 intravitreal injections; 20,421 (75.8%) of which were delivered by appropriately trained ophthalmic nurses. The annual number of injections increased year-on-year from 2112 injections in 2015-2016 to 5410 injections in 2019-2020. The mean age of patients was 75.7±12.2 years with a female-to-male ratio was 1.17:1. Wet age-related macular degeneration represented the major indication for injections followed by retinal vein occlusion and diabetic maculopathy respectively. Three cases of post-injection endophthalmitis out of 20,421 (0.015%) injections in nurse injection group were identified during the study period. There were no cases of lens touch, retinal detachment or systemic thromboembolic events. Conclusion Use of the Precivia® intravitreal injection assist device by trained ophthalmic allied health professionals is a safe and cost-effective way to deliver intravitreal injections service.