National survey of the management of eye emergencies in the accident and emergency department by foundation doctors: has anything changed over the past 15 years?

BACKGROUND: Ophthalmic emergencies comprise a significant portion of junior doctors’ workload in accident and emergency (A&E). However, previous studies have demonstrated a lack of training and confidence in the management of such emergencies. This study assessed changes in basic ophthalmic training that A&E junior doctors received in dealing with eye emergencies, their perceived level of confidence and the availability of appropriate ophthalmic equipment in A&E over the last 15 years. METHODS: A prospective, national, combined online and telephone survey using a previously published questionnaire was performed. Foundation year two doctors (FY2s) from each A&E department in the UK listed on the official NHS directory were contacted for participation. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten A&E departments were contacted and 202 responded (response rate of 96.2%). There was no significant change in the number of A&E departments equipped with slit lamps (82.5% in 2003 vs 79.7% in 2018; p = 0.26). However, the prevalence of training in its use has decreased significantly (68.4% in 2003 vs 52% in 2018; p = 0.005). There was also a significant reduction in the prevalence of training in the management of eye emergencies (77.4% in 2003 vs 45.5% in 2018; p