Authors (including presenting author) :
NG LK (1), LEE M (1)(2), LI KWK (1)(2)(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, (2)Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital (3)Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
A timely treatment is the most important factor for vision preservation in patients with age related macular diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), retinal venous occlusive diseases and diabetic macular oedema. Since 2022, the Department of Ophthalmology in KEC has piloted the nurse-delivered intravitreal injection (NIVI) of anti-VEGF to enhance the service provision.
Objectives :
To implement and evaluate nurse-delivered intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF in a tertiary eye centre in Hong Kong
Methodology :
The medical records of cases receiving N-IVIs from February 2022 to December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed through the electronic patient record (ePR) system. All the information within one month after the injection were review. The medical record of those cases with unplanned SOPD or AED attendance were also reviewed for any injection related complications
Result & Outcome :
A total of 712 cases receiving N-IVI from Feb 2022 to Dec 2024 were included and the clinical record reviewed. No serious complication, such as endophthalmitis and retinal detachment, was encountered. The majority of cases (81.74%) have no complication after the injections. 8.71% of cases reported mild or moderate level of pain after injection. Only one cases attended AED within one month after injection because of floaters and pain with negative corneal staining. Minor adverse events including irritation (5.63%), air bubble (1.69%), subconjunctival hemorrhage (0.84%), corneal abrasion (0.42%), epithelial or conjunctival defect (0.28%) were encountered.
The nurse-delivered intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF service was successfully introduced in the Department of Ophthalmology in KEC since 2022 with good safety data.
