To compare the effect of font type on reading parameters by using the ISO7921:2024 compliant RADNER Reading Charts printed in two fonts: Times New Roman PS (serif) and Arial MS (sans-serif). A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 63 participants (native German speakers; mean age: 42.40 ± 14.65 years). Reading performance was evaluated binocularly with International Standards Organization (ISO) 7921:2024 compliant RADNER Reading Charts printed in Times New Roman PS and Arial MS. Print sizes were equalised in terms of x-heights. The reading charts were presented in random order at a test distance of 40 cm. Three reading acuity (RA) parameters were investigated: RA, reading acuity score (RAS) and critical print size (CPS); as well as three reading speed parameters: mean reading speed for all sentences (MEAN-ALL RS), mean reading speed within the range of 0.8–0.3 logRAD (MEAN-RS) and maximum reading speed (MAX-RS). No statistically significant differences were found between Times New Roman PS and Arial MS for any of the three reading acuity-related parameters (RA, RAS and CPS) or any of the three reading speed-related parameters (MEAN-ALL RS, MEAN-RS and MAX-RS) (all p > 0.07 for acuity-related parameters, and all p > 0.40 for reading speed-related parameters). The differences in all reading parameters were small, with narrow confidence intervals. There were strong correlations between the two fonts, with correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.76 to 0.89. When equalised for x-height and layout, the comparable reading performance observed with Times New Roman PS and Arial MS suggests that these fonts can be used interchangeably for reading charts standardised in accordance with ISO 7921:2024.
To examine burnout among practising optometrists and to identify associated demographic, health and modifiable occupational factors. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among optometrists in the United Kingdom in 2024. Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Rasch-transformed scores were used to improve measurement precision for comparisons and statistical modelling. Univariate analyses and theoretical relevance informed the variables selected for regression models. Separate regression models were constructed for each burnout domain. A total of 1317 optometrists were included. Elevated burnout (scores ≥ 50 before Rasch transformation) indicative of at least moderate burnout, was observed in 57
Reading is a critical visual task that depends on the resolution of fine character features, and how these features are affected by display variables under degraded viewing conditions remains an important question in clinical psychophysics. While contrast polarity effects on reading have been documented in Latin scripts, evidence from non-Latin orthographies is limited. This study investigated the effect of contrast polarity on Arabic reading performance under simulated visual impairment. Reading acuity (RA), maximum reading speed (MRS) and critical print size (CPS) were assessed in 47 normally sighted adults using the Balsam Alabdulkader–Leat (BAL) reading chart. Testing was conducted under baseline and simulated visual impairment using a Bangerter filter, with both black-on-white and white-on-black charts. The simulation significantly degraded all reading measures (MRS, p = 0.001; RA, p < 0.0001; CPS, p < 0.0001). A significant simulation × polarity interaction was found for RA (p < 0.0001), with black-on-white charts producing better visual acuity at baseline and white-on-black producing better visual acuity under simulated impairment. Chart polarity did not affect MRS (p = 0.38) or CPS (p = 0.82) significantly. Arabic relies on small, high-spatial-frequency features such as dots for letter discrimination, which appear to modulate how contrast polarity interacts with optical degradation at threshold. These findings provide preliminary evidence that may guide future studies of reading performance in Arabic-speaking patients with visual impairment.
To evaluate whether early axial length (AL) change after 6 months of orthokeratology (OK) wear serves as a clinically meaningful biomarker for predicting long-term myopia control after 2 years. This retrospective analysis included 101 children from a multicentre OK cohort who completed 24 months of follow‑up, with AL measured at baseline and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Early AL shortening was defined as a ≥0.01 mm reduction after 6 months. Longitudinal AL change was assessed using linear mixed‑effects models. To evaluate predictive utility, separate logistic regression models were fitted using the 6-month AL change (ΔAL₆m) as a continuous predictor for two predefined AL outcome categories: favourable AL response (ΔAL₂₄m ≤ 0.30 mm) and poor AL response (>0.59 mm). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)‑derived probability thresholds were obtained using Youden’s J statistic. External validation was performed in an independent OK cohort of 69 Japanese children (138 eyes). Fourteen children (13.9
