Lee AE, et al. - Researchers examined the epidemiology of ophthalmic pathogens across care settings and determined their antimicrobial susceptibilities. In addition, they compared these with local and national antimicrobial prescribing guidelines. They conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observational analysis involving 2,681 isolates (2,168 patients) between 2009 and 2015 at a centralized North-West London laboratory (incorporating data from primary care and five London teaching hospitals). Across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, Staphylococcus spp. was the commonest pathogen in adults (51.7%; 43.4%; 33.6%, respectively) and Haemophilus spp. was the commonest pathogen in children (34.6%; 28.2%; 36.6%, respectively). Across care settings, they noted a high and increased AMR for chloramphenicol (11.8%; 15.1%; 33.8%); moxifloxacin (5.5%; 7.6%; 25.5%); and fusidic acid (49.6%; 53.4%; 58.7%). Findings indicated significant variation in causative organisms and antimicrobial resistance by patient age and care setting. Reassessment of ophthalmic antimicrobial prescribing policies in the United Kingdom in accordance with local resistance patterns was recommended, as well as inclusion of earlier adoption of alternative agents for bacterial conjunctivitis such as moxifloxacin. The researchers also suggested tailoring prescribing policies by patient age and clinical setting.