{
  "abstract": "Transition programmes for children and young people (CYP) with developmental and chronic conditions moving from paediatric to adult eyecare services improve clinical outcomes and readiness in adolescents, yet implementation varies widely. This study aimed to compare transition practices and barriers in the UK and Europe.Paediatric ophthalmologists in the UK and Europe completed an electronic survey. Responses were analysed to evaluate transition practices, factors influencing transition decisions and challenges faced.We received 81 responses (UK:45, Europe:36), predominantly from hospital-based ophthalmologists. Structured transition programmes for typically developing CYP are in 19% of departments in Europe and 20% in the UK, and for those with additional needs in 33% vs 13% of services. The most common age at transition to adult services is 16 years in Europe and 18 in the UK for typically developing CYP, and 18 for those with complex needs in both Europe and UK.Both regions prioritise developmental level (UK 80%, Europe 67%), disease stability (64%, 56%), and young person’s readiness (73%, 42%) as critical factors influencing decisions about transition. The UK may have greater multidisciplinary team involvement and communication with the GP (50% vs 19%). Common barriers to setting up transition programmes include ‘lack of resources/time/funding’ (64%, 64%), ‘lack of standardised approach’ (71%, 53%) and ‘lack of organisation/co-ordination’ (69%, 42%).Despite differences in transition timing, implementation and multidisciplinary involvement, tackling common challenges in resourcing, standardisation and coordination could facilitate the adoption of transition programmes to support CYP with taking responsibility for their healthcare.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Ameeta Kumar"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Shiama Balendra"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ninewells Hospital, Dundee"
      ],
      "name": "Una O’Colmain"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Nervine ElMeshad"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Annegret H Dahlmann-Noor"
    }
  ],
  "title": "125942 Comparison of transition practices within ophthalmology in the UK and Europe",
  "uid": "08ab5c6d-7e3d-5352-a000-6ebe0b826581"
}