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The Effect of Intensive Education on Concordance with the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Recommendations in a Tertiary Referral Practice

Background/Aims: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that supplementation with their formula led to a significant decrease in progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study aims to assess the effect of different education protocols on concordance with the trial recommendations in two retinal clinics. Methods: A prospective controlled survey of concordance with the AREDS recommendations in two retinal clinics was administered to 330 patients with AREDS category 3 or 4 AMD. The results were evaluated to assess the effect of differing levels of patient education. In clinic 1, there was a formal policy of giving the patient both verbal and written instructions and verbal repetition of these instructions from each staff member on each patient visit; in clinic 2, there was no specific education policy. Results: Clinic 1 had a concordance rate of 81.6% and clinic 2 of 44.1%. There were no significant differences in the patient demographics between the two clinics. Conclusion: A high concordance rate can be achieved in clinical practice with rigorous patient education that includes a policy of having continual repetition of instructions.