Virtual Nevus Clinic Validation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation of a virtual clinic for choroidal nevomelanocytic lesions: safety, patient acceptability and health economics analysis
IRAS ID
202733
Contact name
Konstantinos Balaskas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Choroidal nevomelanocytic lesion is the medical term to describe a lesion similar to a freckle or mole at the back of the eye. Such lesions are fairly common, present in up to 7% of the general population. They usually remain undetected for life and in the vast majority of cases are no cause for concern. Such lesions are increasingly being picked up during routine check-ups at community optometry practices. These freckles or moles at the back of the eye carry an extremely small chance of growing and changing into something more sinister like a melanoma. Because of this minimal risk, optometrists refer almost without exception these patients to hospital eye units for an expert opinion. Patients are seen routinely in outpatient clinics and frequently require a further attendance for additional tests such as an ultrasound. Understandably, patients undergo a period of significant anxiety, often referred by their opticians ’to exclude malignancy’. No general agreement exists, however, on how these referrals should be managed in a safe and efficient manner. This research project aims at showing that a one-stop, dedicated clinic for referrals of these lesions relying on the expertise of allied health professionals such as nurses, optometrists or imaging technicians can be safe and offer a pleasant experience of care. Patients will receive an information letter explaining their condition and their expected journey through our service. During their visit they will have a series of tests done by an expert technician with immediate feedback and re-assurance. We will produce evidence to support the role of non-medical professionals offering care for these common lesions. Eventually, our research may allow safely managing these lesions in community-based optometrist practices, bringing care closer to home.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0288
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion