Radiologists and visual acuity

Quaghebeur, Gerardine; Bhattacharya, J. J.; Murfitt, Janet

doi:10.1007/s003300050106

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Safdar et al [8] determined that 16.7% of American and Pakistani radiologists could not remember ever having had VA testing. Among British radiologists, Quaghebeur et al [9] found that 13.4% had had VA testing as a result of ''headaches and problems related to work'', but that among the 41% of people to have had an occupational health assessment, only 4% had undergone eye testing as part of this. In the same study it was determined that 20% of practising radiologists may benefit from either the use of corrective lenses or the updating of a current corrective lens prescription, given that they had a VA of ,6/6 [9].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Of those who were aware of it, 98% felt it was relevant to radiologists for ''personal or safety reasons and for potential effects on work efficiency'' [9]. A large majority (82%) of UK radiologists would be amenable to undergoing regular eye testing, while a slightly smaller number (71%) felt that such testing should be mandatory for a radiologist during their career [9]. There are precedents to establish mandatory eye testing for professionals in whom good VA is felt to be important to their job.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are precedents to establish mandatory eye testing for professionals in whom good VA is felt to be important to their job. Pilots in the UK, for example, are subject to annual eye testing throughout their working lives [9], while similar standards are set by the federal aviation authority in America.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a professional, there is clearly a strong onus on the individual radiologist to seek help if they notice a problem with VA or another aspect of their vision. There also seems to be broad support among radiologists for the concept of mandatory eye testing [9]. Optimal patient care is the goal of any health service and healthcare professional.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ocular health among radiologists in the age of PACS: is it time for our profession to open its eyes to this issue in light of existing European legislation?

Halpenny

O’Driscoll²,

Torreggiani³

2012

BJR

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The regular use of visual display units (VDUs) at work has been shown to cause the development of a constellation of symptoms ranging from dry eyes to temporary myopia. European workers who use VDUs are now protected under detailed legislation enacted by the European Union (Directive 90/270/EEC). The use of picture archiving and communications systems, which are almost ubiquitous in European countries, means that, as a profession, radiologists fall under the remit of this legislation. This paper aims to assess the impact that full implementation of this law would have on a radiologist's practice and to more broadly examine the issue of eye care as an occupational health issue in radiology. The authors conclude that eye care in the setting of regular VDU use among radiologists is an important quality control and occupational health issue. There is a clear legal basis requiring employers to provide regular eye examinations and reporting breaks. In the absence of leadership from employers on this issue individual radiologists have a responsibility to ensure that their work practices reflect the legal situation and minimise the effect of eye strain on their performance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Ocular health among radiologists in the age of PACS: is it time for our profession to open its eyes to this issue in light of existing European legislation?

Halpenny

O’Driscoll²,

Torreggiani³

2012

BJR

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“…A survey of 480 UK consultant radiologists revealed that 71% of respondents supported regular vision testing for radiologists 18. These surveys demonstrate that those working in the field of radiology identify good visual function as critical to radiological practice.…”

Section: What Is Known About Vision and Visual Acuity In Other Medicamentioning

confidence: 97%

Should there be a visual standard for ophthalmologists and other surgeons?

Wong

Stokes

Foss

et al. 2010

Postgraduate Medical Journal

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A number of professions have a visual standard but there is no standard for surgeons, including surgeons such as ophthalmologists who operate with the aid of a microscope. We review which professions do have a visual standard, the evidence addressing the issue of a visual standard in medicine and surgery, and an international survey of what visual standards other countries apply to ophthalmologists, and performed a survey of the views of the member of the British Royal College of Ophthalmologists. A number of professions, where public safety is an issue, do have a visual standard without compelling supporting evidence. By contrast, all but two countries do not have a visual standard for their ophthalmic surgeons. The survey of members of the British Royal College of Ophthalmologists supported the adoption of such a standard, which would include minimum requirements for both visual acuity and stereoacuity. Good vision is clearly essential for ophthalmologists, as well as for other surgeons and practioners of some other branches of medicine. While there is no evidence to support a specific visual standard, we conclude that one should be adopted until there is definitive evidence to settle the issue on the basis of the precautionary principle as patient safety is involved.

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