Approach of an Academic Ophthalmology Department to Recovery During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Brodin, Alexandra C; Tamhankar, Madhura A.; Whitehead, Gideon; Mackay, David; Kim, Benjamin J.; O’Brien, Joan M.

doi:10.2147/opth.s342300

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…19 Other measures such as minimizing patient contact time, increasing intervals between patients, and limiting the overall time per visit, aimed to reduce unnecessary exposure to the virus and reduce transmission. 20 Testing for COVID-19 prior to visits and procedures varied across countries. Testing was not uniformly implemented, creating a potential risk as asymptomatic patients could visit the clinic and transmit the virus.…”

Section: The Operational Capacity and Precautionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Early-Phase Perceptions of COVID-19’s Impact on Ophthalmology Practice Patterns: A Survey from the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Bonilla-Escobar,

Sánchez-Cano,

Lasave

et al. 2023

OPTH

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Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic affected medical practice worldwide due to interventions to prevent spreading. Its effect on ophthalmology practices in Latin America has not yet been explored. We aimed to assess the perceptions about the pandemic from countries’ ophthalmological national and subspecialty retina societies affiliated to the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO). Patients and Methods A survey-based study of leaders of national ophthalmological and retinal societies was conducted. The survey was sent by email to 30 societies, from which 20 responded (12 countries, 66.6% response rate). It included closed- and open-ended questions about (1) operational capacity and precautions, (2) telemedicine and virtual care, (3) procedures, and (4) post-pandemic considerations. Results There was a marked decline in ophthalmology patient visits (80–95%) and elective surgeries (90%) during 2020 compared to before the pandemic. Precautions like temperature checks, mask usage, and social distancing were widely implemented while personal protective equipment (PPE) availability varied. Telemedicine use was limited due to lack of experience with it. Reopening plans focused on maintaining precautions and gradually resuming activities. Economic and security concerns were raised, and adherence to guidelines was emphasized. Respondents acknowledged the need to adapt to a “new normal”. Long duration drugs, fewer imaging studies, and shorter wait times were preferred; however, availability of long duration drugs was limited. Conclusion The pandemic impacted ophthalmology in Latin America, with reduced patient visits, procedures, and surgeries. Delayed treatment and complications were likely the result of the pandemic.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Operational Capacity and Precautionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Early-Phase Perceptions of COVID-19’s Impact on Ophthalmology Practice Patterns: A Survey from the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Bonilla-Escobar,

Sánchez-Cano,

Lasave

et al. 2023

OPTH

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“…The delivery of clinical research is also a key part of many ophthalmology settings which were therefore also affected by the pandemic. Ophthalmologists are finding ways to cope with the demands of clinical research output while maintaining eye care services across the spectrum [ 136 ].…”

Section: The Future Of Ophthalmology Conditioned By This Global Pande...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Considerations of COVID-19 in Ophthalmology

Salvetat,

Musa,

Pellegrini

et al. 2023

Microorganisms

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Since its emergence in early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 infection has had a significant impact on the entire eye care system. Ophthalmologists have been categorized as a high-risk group for contracting the virus due to the belief that the eye may be a site of inoculation and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, clinical ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eyecare professionals have had to familiarize themselves with the ocular manifestations of COVID-19, as well as its treatments and vaccines. The implementation of measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, such as restrictions, lockdowns, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI), have led to substantial and potentially irreversible changes in routine clinical practice, education, and research. This has resulted in the emergence of a new mode of managing patients in a routine clinical setting. This brief review aims to provide an overview of various aspects of COVID-19 in ophthalmology, including the ocular manifestations related to the disease, the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, precautions taken in ophthalmic practice to prevent the spread of the virus, drugs, and vaccines used in the treatment of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on patients, clinicians, and the eye care system as a whole, and the future of ophthalmology conditioned by this global pandemic experience.

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“… 2 The impact was not limited to private practices, with academic ophthalmology departments also experiencing a dramatic downturn in patient volume and revenue generation. 3 The observed trends may be in part accounted for by the elective and nonurgent nature of certain services provided by ophthalmologists. Despite clear communication from the AAO about the need to pursue care for urgent, vision-threatening eye conditions, concerns about infection spread may have led to delayed seeking of timely eyecare.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%