Aims The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of incisional and punch biopsy techniques in obtaining correct histological diagnosis of periorbital eyelid tumours. The technique of punch biopsy is presented and described in detail. Methods A retrospective analysis was made of 20 consecutive incisional biopsies and 20 consecutive punch biopsies. In each case, the histology obtained at biopsy was compared with that identified at the time of tumour excision. Results A total of 40 consecutive biopsies on 38 patients were analysed. The first 20 were incisional; the second 20 were punch biopsies. Of the 20 incisional biopsy specimens, 19 were confirmed accurate at the time of excision of the lesion. Of the 20 punch biopsies, 17 were confirmed accurate at the time of excision. These correspond to accuracy rates of 95 and 85%, respectively. Conclusions Both incisional and punch biopsy techniques have relatively high accuracy rates and there is a high concordance between tissue diagnoses made by each of these techniques. Incisional techniques should preferably be performed on any atypical lesion. Punch biopsy is a quick and simple procedure. It is easy to perform in an outpatient environment and requires a minimum of surgical equipment and no specific surgical skills. If the site of biopsy is carefully chosen, this simple technique provides tissue specimens of adequate size and quality for accurate histology and is a most useful adjunct in the management of periocular tumours.

Aim: To investigate the association between visual handicap, laterality, and historical eye dominance in patients presenting with unilateral full thickness macular holes (FTMH). Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with unilateral FTMH and no other visually significant ocular pathology including abnormalities of binocular vision were included. A questionnaire and case note review were performed to determine the mode of presentation, presence of symptomatic binocular interference, historically dominant eye, and whether they elected to undergo surgery. Results: 44 eyes of 44 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 21 (48%) affected eyes were right sided and 56% of FTMH were in the historically dominant eye. 76% of FTMH in historically dominant eyes presented symptomatically compared to 36% in non-dominant eyes (p= 0.003). 72% of patients with FTMH affecting their historically dominant eye were aware of binocular interference in day to day binocular viewing compared with 21% when the FTMH was in the non-dominant eye (p= 0.001). 23 (52%) patients elected to undergo surgery, of whom 18/23(78%) had FTMH in their historically dominant eye (p= 0.0003). Conclusion: This study suggests that eye dominance may be an important determinant of the visual handicap suffered by patients with unilateral FTMH.

A 64-year-old woman with zonular weakness in the left eye and a 79-year-old man with bilateral pseudoexfoliation and intraoperative zonular dehiscence had phacoemulsification with in-the-bag implantation of a single-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens (IOL) and a capsular tension ring. Ten to 12 weeks postoperatively, all 3 eyes developed significant visual loss secondary to capsule shrinkage and occlusion of the capsulorhexis opening. All eyes had a neodymium:YAG laser radial anterior capsulotomy, anterior capsulectomy, or both. Visual acuity was restored in all eyes despite slight IOL decentration.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand interest-free microfinance practices in India, identify issues and recommend possible solutions. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the proposed objectives, Bait-un-Nasr (BuN) Urban Cooperative Credit Society, located in Mumbai, India, is considered for the case study. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data are collected through questionnaires and secondary data from various sources. Performance of the institution is assessed in terms of growth and sustainability indicators. Findings It is found that BuN has been successful in providing interest-free microfinance services in India. A few operational issues have been highlighted and possible solutions are recommended. Moreover, it is found that in comparison to the microfinance industry standards, the performance of BuN has been lower. Research limitations/implications BuN is evaluated from only growth and sustainability aspects and not from the aspect of the socio-economic impacts of its services on the lives of customers. Practical implications This study would become a documented source of interest-free microfinance practices in India. Moreover, the recommendations provided, if implemented, would help BuN in further growth and development. Social implications This study would help create awareness in the society about the practices of interest-free microfinance. Originality/value This paper highlights the interest-free microfinance practices in India that have not received the needed attention. The paper also attempts to identify key issues pertaining to interest-free microfinance with possible solutions.