Treatment Options and Referral Pattern among Patients with Retinal Diseases Attending an Eye Clinic in a Tertiary institution, North Central Nigeria

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the treatment modalities and pattern of referral of patients with retinal diseases in the eye clinic. Methods: All consenting new patients attending the eye clinic were recruited for the study and interviewed by the author. The treatment offered to the participants diagnosed with retinal disease (medical, surgical, LASER, optical or a combination) was recorded. Information on the patient’s referral for vitreoretinal consultation (this could be ‘yes’ or ‘no’) and reasons for the referral were also documented and analyzed. Results: treatment options for the 278 study participants were: medical for 100 (36%), optical for 94 (33.8%) optical correction, surgical for 24 (8.6%), LASER photocoagulation for 6 (2.2%) and a combination of LASER photocoagulation and intravitreal avastin injection for 20 (7.2%) patients. Counselling and watchful expectancy accounted for treatment of 34 (12.2%) patients. Seventy-four patients of the 278 included in the study had retinal diseases. Of these 74 with retinal diseases, 46 (62.2%) were referred to vitreoretinal units out of which 39 (84.8%) patients were referred to the vitreoretinal unit in JUTH and 7 (15.2%) were referred to vitreoretinal units elsewhere. The referrals were largely on account of unavailability of requisite equipment in 3 (42.8%) patients, surgical expertise in 2 (28.6%) patients and patient request in 2 (28.6%) cases. Conclusion: The need for establishment of standard vitreoretinal services strategically in each geo-political zone of Nigeria to cater more efficiently to the needs of patients with retinal diseases and appropriate referral cannot be overemphasized