Abstract
PURPOSE: To present results from the Vitreo Retina Society-India (VRSI) 2024 Preference and Trends Survey, focusing on polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) management practices among Indian vitreoretinal surgeons. METHODS: Responses to a 62-item questionnaire, distributed to all VRSI members over email via Google Forms, were collected over 6 weeks in July--August 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 289 members participated in the survey. The majority of respondents preferred multimodal imaging for the diagnosis of PCV (44.68%) and aflibercept for initiation of therapy (63.12%). Respondents preferred a loading dose with a pro-re-nata regimen (46.45%) and a switch after three injections in cases of suboptimal response (57.45%), with a strong preference for switching to brolucizumab (63.93%). Pan-retinal photocoagulation was the predominantly preferred treatment modality for all cases of proliferative DR, with an increased preference for combining it with antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in cases with high-risk characteristics. For centre-involving diabetic macular edema, ranibizumab biosimilars (40.79%) in a by pro re nata regimen (53.21%) were preferred. Respondents would switch to steroids (54.48%) for suboptimal response after three anti-VEGF injections (91.04%). CONCLUSIONS: The current preferences in the management of PCV and DR among Indian vitreoretinal surgeons are reported here. The results of this survey will assist fellow practitioners in understanding contemporary real-world practices in relation to established literature and in developing appropriate guidelines.