Only eye study 3 (OnES 3): a qualitative study into how surgeons approach surgery in patients with only one seeing eye

Abstract

ObjectivePerforming surgery on an ‘only eye’ patient is considered high stakes. The purpose of this study is to explore the process of only eye surgery from the perspective of ophthalmic surgeons and improve both patient and surgeon experience.Design, setting and participantsA cohort of 76 Australian consultant ophthalmologists, divided into three focus groups, were recruited via online webinar to participate in a guided focus group discussion about only eye surgery. Qualitative data regarding participant experience of performing only eye surgery were collected in audio and text form. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns in the data.Main outcome measureIdentification of themes relevant to only eye surgery.ResultsFive overarching themes relevant to only eye surgery were identified: (1) differences in the surgical decision-making process; (2) differences in the approach to consent, (3) implementation of additional risk reduction strategies, (4) value of having colleagues to discuss and plan surgery with and (5) psychological challenges. A divergent theme was identified: (6) that all surgery, only eye or not, should be treated the same.ConclusionsThis study identifies challenges associated with clinical management of only eye patients across their surgical journey. A conceptual framework to guide surgeons when managing only eye patients is provided which has potential to promote a more unified approach to treating this high-stakes cohort.

Only Eye Study 5 (OnES 5): A quantitative study of patient experiences undergoing surgery in their only seeing eye

“…As such, only eye surgery can be a stressful experience for both surgeon and patient. [1][2][3] The Only Eye Study 2 by Jones et al 2 was an instrumental qualitative study that explored the patient's experience of undergoing only eye surgery. It identified the significant emotional impact of surgery, fear of the potential burden of vision loss, the difficulty in coping with surgery and the need for individualised care.…”

Ophthalmic surgery in patients with only one seeing eye: Only eye study 4 (OnES 4)

“…Shenouda Girgis BMed/MD, MMedStats 1 Jonathan P. Whyte MBBS, MMed(OphthSci) 1,2 Peter Shah FRCOphth 3,4,5 Graham A. Lee MD, FRANZCO…”

“…A parallel, mixed methods study was conducted to develop a conceptual framework for surgeons approaching only eye patients. The study consisted of a qualitative 3 and quantitative arm. This article presents the findings of the quantitative arm of the study.…”

Only Eye Study 5 (OnES 5): A Quantitative Study of Patient Experiences of Undergoing Surgery

“…Whereas in other cases, the only eye can have advanced disease (such as glaucoma) and/or has had multiple previous surgeries. The other eye may have been lost as a result of surgical complications, making the prospect of surgery in the remaining eye more distressing [1,2,3].…”

“…Due to the high-stakes-nature of only eye surgery, it is a stressful experience for both patients and surgeons. Previous studies have explored the experiences of surgeons performing only eye surgery, highlighting the unique challenges and considerations in training and supporting those surgeons [1,3].…”