The standardised setup for IVI in Auckland from 2018 (reusable speculum and sterile gloves not shown). In 2022, the use of single-use callipers was discontinued

Ophthalmology researchers from New Zealand have shown that switching to a more sustainable practice for intravitreal injections (IVIs) does not increase the level of infection rates, supporting practice changes to minimise consumption without compromising safety or quality of care.

The study measured the rate of post-IVI endophthalmitis for a standardised relatively low-consumption technique (in use since 2018) compared with published rates in Auckland between 2007 and 2014, when a variety of non-standardised techniques was used. The study, published in Eye, by Drs Jesse Gale, Sarah Welch and Rachael Niederer, found no statistically significant difference in infection rates.

“This simple report highlights that a nurse-injector system can result in standardised technique with lower consumption of single use sterile supplies, and maintain very low infection rates,” they concluded.