IMPORTANCE Although almost equal numbers of male and female medical students enter into ophthalmology residency programs, whether they have similar surgical experiences during training is unclear.OBJECTIVE To determine differences for cataract surgery and total procedural volume between male and female residents during ophthalmology residency.

RESULTS. From an estimated 340 residency programs around NYC, recruitment yielded 91 responses, representing 24 specialties and 2306 residents. In 45.1% of programs, at least 1 resident with confirmed COVID-19 was reported. One hundred one resident physicians were confirmed COVID-19-positive, with an additional 163 residents presumed positive for COVID-19 based on symptoms but awaiting or unable to obtain testing. Two COVID-19-positive residents were hospitalized, with 1 in intensive care. Among specialties with more than 100 residents represented, negative binomial regression indicated that infection risk differed by specialty (P = 0.039). In 80% of programs, quarantining a resident was reported. Ninety of 91 programs reported reuse or extended mask use, and 43 programs reported that personal protective equipment (PPE) was suboptimal. Sixty-five programs (74.7%) redeployed residents elsewhere to support COVID-19 efforts. CONCLUSION. Many resident physicians around NYC have been affected by COVID-19 through direct infection, quarantine, or redeployment. Lack of access to testing and concern regarding suboptimal PPE are common among residency programs. Infection risk may differ by specialty.

Purpose: To present a protocol for audiologic monitoring in the setting of teprotumumab treatment of thyroid eye disease, motivated by 4 cases of significant hearing loss, and review the relevant literature. Methods: Cases of hearing loss in the setting of teprotumumab were retrospectively elicited as part of a multi-institutional focus group, including oculoplastic surgeons, a neurotologist and an endocrinologist. A literature review was performed. Results: An aggregate of 4 cases of teprotumumab-associated hearing loss documented by formal audiologic testing were identified among 3 clinicians who had treated 28 patients. Conclusions: Teprotumumab may cause a spectrum of potentially irreversible hearing loss ranging from mild to severe, likely resulting from the inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor pathway. Due to the novelty of teprotumumab and the lack of a comprehensive understanding of its effect on hearing, the authors endorse prospective investigations of hearing loss in the setting of teprotumumab treatment. Until the results of such studies are available, the authors think it prudent to adopt a surveillance protocol to include an audiogram and tympanometry before, during and after infusion, and when prompted by new symptoms of hearing dysfunction.

Background From March 2-April 12, 2020, New York City (NYC) experienced exponential growth of the COVID-19 pandemic due to novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Little is known regarding how physicians have been affected. We aimed to characterize COVID-19 impact on NYC resident physicians. Methods IRB-exempt and expedited cross-sectional analysis through survey to NYC residency program directors (PDs) April 3-12, 2020, encompassing events from March 2-April 12, 2020. Findings From an estimated 340 residency programs around NYC, recruitment yielded 91 responses, representing 24 specialties and 2,306 residents. 45.1% of programs reported at least one resident with confirmed COVID-19: 101 resident physicians were confirmed COVID-19-positive, with additional 163 residents presumed positive for COVID-19 based on symptoms but awaiting or unable to obtain testing. 56.5% of programs had a resident waiting for, or unable to obtain, COVID-19 testing. Two COVID-19-positive residents were hospitalized, with one in intensive care. Among specialties with >100 residents represented, negative binomial regression indicated that infection risk differed by specialty (p=0.039). Although most programs (80%) reported quarantining a resident, with 16.8% of residents experiencing quarantine, 14.9% of COVID-19-positive residents were not quarantined. 90 programs, encompassing 99.2% of the resident physicians, reported reuse or extended mask use, and 43 programs, encompassing 60.4% of residents, felt that personal protective equipment (PPE) was suboptimal. 65 programs (74.7%) have redeployed residents elsewhere to support COVID-19 efforts. Interpretation Many resident physicians around NYC have been affected by COVID-19 through direct infection, quarantine, or redeployment. Lack of access to testing and concern regarding suboptimal PPE are common among residency programs. Infection risk may differ by specialty. Funding AHA, MPB, RWSC, CGM, LRDG, and JDH are supported by NEI Core Grant P30EY019007, and unrestricted grant from RPB. ACP and JS are supported by Parker Family Chair. SXX is supported by University of Pennsylvania.

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This report demonstrates a unique case of conjunctival melanoma harboring a BRAF V600E mutation responsive to systemic therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. While systemic therapy would not be appropriate in patients with local disease alone, it may act therapeutically in cases of higher stage ocular surface and eyelid melanoma.

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PurposeTo report a case of dupilumab-associated blepharoconjunctivitis.ObservationsA 48 year-old Caucasian male presented with bilateral blepharitis, multiple chalazia, dry eye disease and significant papillary conjunctivitis. The past medical history included fourteen years of severe atopic dermatitis. After failed attempts to treat atopic dermatitis with topical corticosteroids, the patient enrolled into a four-year clinical trial of biweekly dupilumab injections. Four to six weeks after initiation of dupilumab, the patient reported blurred vision, ocular irritation and redness. Slit lamp examination demonstrated bilateral meibomian gland dysfunction, edematous eyelids with multiple chalazia and significant papillary conjunctivitis. Meibography by Lipiscan revealed significant truncation, atrophy and bifurcation of meibomian glands bilaterally. The patient's multiple chalazia were excised and eyelid hygiene was closely followed. Cliradex wipes and Avenova were added to the patient's regime and one session of Lipiflow treatment was administered. The patient continued this eyelid hygiene regimen along with neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment after each dupilumab infusion.Conclusions and ImportanceFive weeks after Lipiflow treatment with concomitant use of Cliradex and Avenova, visual acuity and ocular discomfort improved. Current treatment includes Cliradex eyelid wipes along with neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment for a week after each dupilumab infusion. Topical steroids and antibiotics with eyelid hygiene are effective ways to treat atopic dermatitis patients exhibiting dupilumab's ocular side effects. Lipiflow therapy may also help in treatment.