Telephone: 075844392912 Abstract Purpose To assess whether a cataract surgery patient-information video reduces patients' preoperative anxiety levels. SettingLeeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Design 3Prospective controlled trial of an intervention to reduce anxiety for first eye elective cataract surgery patients. MethodsA total of 200 patients attending for first eye elective cataract surgery were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was a questionnaire based upon the Amsterdam Pre-operative Anxiety and Information Score (APAIS), and a 80mm Visual Analogue Score (VAS). The questionnaire was administered to a control group of 100 consecutive pre-operative cataract surgery patients who had not seen the information video. Subsequently, the video was introduced to the surgical pathway and the questionnaire was administered pre-operatively to an intervention group of 100 consecutive patients who had watched the video.4 ResultsThere was a significant difference in mean VAS anxiety scores between the control 45.5mm ± 21.4mm [SD] and intervention group 11.2mm ± 11.4mm (p< 0.001). On a 5stage Likert scale, responses to the APAIS statement "I am worried about the procedure" (range 1 = not at all to 5 = extremely worried) also showed that the control group patients were significantly more worried than the intervention group (p<0.001). The mode response score was 3 in the control group, compared to 1 in the intervention group. ConclusionsThe patient information video prior to cataract surgery was a cheap and effective intervention in reducing pre-operative anxiety. Such interventions could improve overall patient experience of cataract surgery.

Objective To explore factors that influence decision‐making in relation to prenatal diagnostic testing (PDT) for inherited retinal disease (IRD). Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 50 adults with IRD, selected from a larger sample to provide a diversity of backgrounds and opinions on genetic testing. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Mostly participants supported PDT, believing that it would provide information to help them prepare for and plan the future care of the child and the potential for early access to emerging therapies. Opposition to PDT stemmed from its use to justify termination of pregnancy, with participants feeling that it was not justified as they retained a good quality of life despite their visual impairment. Participants raised concerns about the risk of PDT and the accuracy of the results. However, most suggested that it should be available as an option for others, but for specific reasons and not as a part of routine care. Conclusion The variation in attitudes towards PDT and uncertainty about the risk and accuracy of results suggest that individuals at risk of having a child with IRD should have access to genetic counselling to support decision making. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.