Dry eye disease (DED), which is a prevalent disease that still lacks successful treatment options, remains a major challenge in ophthalmology. Multiple animal models of DED have been used to decipher its pathophysiology and to develop novel treatments. These models use mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs and non-human primates. Each model assesses aspects of DED by focusing on elements of the lacrimal functional unit, which controls the homeostasis of the tear film. The present review outlines representative DED animal models and assesses their contribution to the study of DED. Murine models are the most extensively used, followed by rabbit models; the latter offer the advantage of larger eyes, a favorable biochemical profile for drug studies, experimental ease and relatively low cost, contrasting with non-human primates, which, although closer to humans, are not as accessible and are expensive. No comprehensive ‘ideal’ animal model encompassing all aspects of human DED exists nor is it feasible. Investigators often choose an animal model based on their experimental needs and the following four features of a given model: The size of the eye, its biochemical composition, the available research reagents and cost. As research efforts in DED expand, more refined animal models are needed to supplement the enormous contribution made to date by existing models.

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qualitative research, via a semi-structured interview with 10% of the 120 strong consultant body. A thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Thematic review showed doctors felt they lacked influence, that communication from senior management was poor and they lacked a feeling of belonging.We have encouraged senior medics to lead on a host of strategic clinical initiatives, pathways and QI projects.We have instigated a series of 'quick wins' from feedback gained thus far, to address doctors concerns and communicated these widely through a 'you said, we did' approach.Our repeat Pulse Check survey has shown improvement in medical engagement across all domains.

Purpose: Dry eye disease (DED) is classified as aqueous deficient, evaporative, or mixed. We investigated the therapeutic effect of the novel anti-inflammatory drug phosphosulindac (PS) in rabbit models of DED encompassing its pathogenesis, and its transition to chronicity. Methods: We treated three rabbit models of DED with PS (hydrogel formulation) or vehicle topically applied 1 × /day. We induced aqueous-deficient DED (acute and chronic) by injecting Concanavalin A into lacrimal glands; evaporative DED by injecting into the upper eyelid inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis in complete Freund's adjuvant; and mixed DED through desiccative stress, induced by holding open the eye for 3 h. We determined corneal sensitivity, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's tear test (STT), tear osmolality, and fluorescein staining of the ocular surface. Results: PS reversed all abnormal DED parameters. In acute DED, PS dose dependently normalized corneal sensitivity and tear osmolality; and improved TBUT, STT, and fluorescein staining. PS normalized corneal sensitivity and improved all other parameters in chronic aqueous-deficient DED. In evaporative DED, PS normalized corneal sensitivity and improved TBUT and fluorescein staining (osmolality and STT were not significantly changed in this model). In the desiccative stress model, PS improved TBUT and fluorescein staining but had no effect on STT or tear osmolality. Conclusions: PS rapidly reversed almost all DED parameters in its three subtypes. The normalization of the suppressed corneal sensitivity suggests the possibility of marked symptomatic relief by PS. The hydrogel formulation allows once-daily dosing. PS merits further development as a potential treatment for DED.