This study was performed to assess the value of routine investigations
performed on ophthalmic patients undergoing local anaesthetic surgery
. Patients attending the pre-operative assessment had investigations o
rdered as outlined in accordance,vith the guidelines of the Joint Work
ing Party on Anaesthesia in Ophthalmic Surgery. The results of investi
gations were sealed in a clearly marked envelope and stapled to a prom
inent position on the notes, Any envelopes found unopened at the end o
f surgery were assumed to have been unseen by either the anaesthetist
or surgeon, The effects on patient management were noted, Abnormal res
ults were found in 102 of 314 investigations performed in 100 patients
, Of the 100 envelopes 95 were unopened at the end of surgery, No pati
ents had their peri-operative management changed because of the invest
igations performed, An adequate pre-operative assessment with a histor
y and examination is sufficient in most patients undergoing local anae
sthetic ophthalmic surgery, avoiding unnecessary investigations.