Conventional techniques for assessing the visual function of cataract patients include visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS) and glare disability (GD). The extent to which these measurements provide accurate information about a patient's perceived visual disability is not known. In this study, binocular and monocular VA and CS and monocular GD measurements were made using commercially available techniques on 33 cataract patients. VA was measured using a Ferris-Bailey LogMAR chart and CS by the Pelli-Robson letter CS chart. Glare disability was measured using the Mentor Brightness Acuity Tester in conjunction with both the LogMAR and Pelli Robson charts. Each patient's perceived visual disability was quantified using a 20-point questionnaire about the effect of vision on everyday activities. There was little correlation between subjective visual disability and monocular or binocular VA measurements. Measurements of binocular CS, however, were highly correlated with the patient's perceived visual disability, particularly their subjective assessment of the effect of vision on their mobility-orientation. We suggest that binocular CS measurements using the Pelli-Robson chart provide useful additional information regarding the need for surgery in cataract patients.

It is well reported that drug volume instilled has a significant effect on the degree of response. However, there are currently no official regulations concerning eye drop volume in either the UK or the USA. Since drop volume has been shown to vary significantly depending upon a variety of factors, it may be appropriate that the regulatory bodies consider the consequences of variable drop size.

Objectives: This study identified patient-, hospital-, and community-level factors associated with timely follow-up care following psychiatric hospitalization for children and adolescents with mood disorders.Methods: The patients were 7,826 youths (ages six to 17) admitted to psychiatric hospitals with a primary diagnosis of mood disorder (July 2009-November 2010. Outcome variables were defined as one or more mental health visits within seven days and 30 days of psychiatric hospitalization. Predictor variables included patient-, hospital-, and community-level factors obtained from Medicaid claim files from four states (California, Florida, Maryland, and Ohio), the American Hospital Association annual survey, and the Area Resource File. Multilevel modeling was used to assess the association between patient-, hospital-, and community-level factors and receipt of follow-up care.Results: Following discharge, an outpatient mental health visit was obtained by 48.9% of children and adolescents within seven days and by 69.2% of children and adolescents within 30 days. Positive predictors of follow-up at both seven and 30 days included prior outpatient mental health care, foster care, psychiatric comorbidity, care in teaching hospitals and psychiatric hospitals, and residence in counties with more child and adolescent psychiatrists. Negative predictors included older age, black race, care in hospitals with higher levels of Medicaid penetration, and substance use disorders. Conclusions:One in three youths did not receive mental health follow-up in the 30 days after psychiatric hospitalization. Linkage to follow-up care appears to be complex and multidetermined. Study findings underscored the need for quality improvement interventions targeting vulnerable populations and promoting successful transitions from inpatient to outpatient care.

Benzodiazepine use is associated with increased mortality risk in patients with schizophrenia after adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders. Given unproven efficacy, physicians should exercise caution in prescribing benzodiazepines to schizophrenic patients.

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