Real-world experience of implementing the MOLES score in a virtual choroidal naevi clinic at a tertiary referral centre

Abstract

Introduction: The MOLES score has been validated to clinically differentiate choroidal naevi from melanomas by ocular oncologists and community optometrists. However, its utility in a virtual choroidal naevi clinic at a tertiary eye hospital without specialist ocular oncology services has not yet been evaluated.

Methods: A retrospective case review of 385 choroidal lesions in the virtual choroidal naevus clinic at Bristol Eye Hospital during January-March 2020 and April-August 2021 was performed. Choroidal lesions were assessed using the TFSOM-UHHD risk factor index and MOLES score, respectively. For both study periods, clinical outcome and adherence data were analysed.

Results: Choroidal lesions scored higher with the TFSOM-UHHD index (median 2) compared to the MOLES score (median 0; p < 0.001). Median required follow-up duration was 2 years for lesions assessed with the TFSOM-UHHD index, and 0 years for those graded with the MOLES score. Overall, 215 patients were appropriately discharged to community optometrists based on their MOLES score. Imaging requirements for the TFSOM-UHHD index and MOLES score protocols were met in 69.1% and 94.8% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion: The MOLES score was easily implemented in a virtual choroidal naevus clinic, with good adherence. It increased clinic capacity by facilitating appropriate discharges of low-risk naevi to community monitoring, allowing finite and specialist hospital-based services to monitor higher-risk naevi more closely.