Challenge Accepted: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) During COVID-19

Sahu, Sandip K; Mishra, Priyadarshini

doi:10.7759/cureus.35260

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 8 publications

(8 reference statements)

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“…Routine health services were often curtailed during lockdown, including surgery for congenital conditions. (8, 9) We identi ed six studies on the impact on ROP services, from the USA,( 10) India (11,12,13,14) and China. (15) Two described the mitigation measures adopted which allowed services to continue.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(15) Two described the mitigation measures adopted which allowed services to continue. (10,14) The other studies all report that fewer infants were screened during lockdown, with a variable impact on the number treated. This may re ect publication bias, as half of the eSurvey participants in our study reported no or only minimal impact on screening or treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings

Gilbert,

Todd

2023

Eye

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Background and objectivesRetinopathy of prematurity is an increasingly important cause of blindness children in low-and middleincome countries. Timely screening and treatment greatly reduce blindness. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ROP services in low-and middle-income countries. MethodsAn online survey with closed and open-ended questions in Microsoft Teams was sent to 304 ophthalmologists providing screening, treatment and/or vitreoretinal services(January 15 to March 12 2021). Categories were used to report impact on services. 28 participants were purposively selected for interview. Results184/201 completed forms from 32 countries were received. Two thirds of participants worked in government facilities and 45.6% were pediatric ophthalmologists. A moderate to severe impact was reported by 13% for screening, 9% for treatment and 16% for vitreoretinal surgery with some variation between government, private and not-for-pro t sectors. 22% thought services would take a year to recover. Fifteen ophthalmologists from 12 countries were interviewed. Many reported fewer neonatal admissions, and several reported more ROP blind infants once restrictions lifted. Themes associated with services continuing included limited lockdown, autonomy and exibility, commitment, advocacy and technology. Themes associated with a negative impact include fear and panic, closure of facilities, COVID infection or quarantining of health workers and parents, lack of transport and exacerbation of poverty. ConclusionsThe COVID pandemic had a very variable impact on the provision of ROP services. In some countries where the impact was great, more infants became blind from ROP. Lessons can be learnt for planning pandemic preparedness.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings

Gilbert,

Todd

2023

Eye

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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings

Gilbert

2023

Preprint

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Background and objectives Retinopathy of prematurity is an increasingly important cause of blindness children in low- and middle-income countries. Timely screening and treatment greatly reduce blindness. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ROP services in low- and middle-income countries. Methods An online survey with closed and open-ended questions in Microsoft Teams was sent to 304 ophthalmologists providing screening, treatment and/or vitreoretinal services(January 15 to March 12 2021). Categories were used to report impact on services. 28 participants were purposively selected for interview. Results 184/201 completed forms from 32 countries were received. Two thirds of participants worked in government facilities and 45.6% were pediatric ophthalmologists. A moderate to severe impact was reported by 13% for screening, 9% for treatment and 16% for vitreoretinal surgery with some variation between government, private and not-for-profit sectors. 22% thought services would take a year to recover. Fifteen ophthalmologists from 12 countries were interviewed. Many reported fewer neonatal admissions, and several reported more ROP blind infants once restrictions lifted. Themes associated with services continuing included limited lockdown, autonomy and flexibility, commitment, advocacy and technology. Themes associated with a negative impact include fear and panic, closure of facilities, COVID infection or quarantining of health workers and parents, lack of transport and exacerbation of poverty. Conclusions The COVID pandemic had a very variable impact on the provision of ROP services. In some countries where the impact was great, more infants became blind from ROP. Lessons can be learnt for planning pandemic preparedness.

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Challenge Accepted: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) During COVID-19

Cited by 2 publications

References 8 publications

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings

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