COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey of future use of personal protective equipment in optometric practice

Pult, Heiko

doi:10.1016/j.clae.2020.04.006

Cited by 14 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…However, the results of the present study suggest that most practitioners might have increased the frequency of this practice in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings are in accord with the practice of other eye care workers previously surveyed [ 15 , 17 , 26 ]. However, an assessment of eye care professionals' comfort and the effect of artifacts from the use of PPEs on ophthalmic examinations remain to be determined.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Assessment of infection prevention and control measures adopted by eye care practitioners in Ghana and South Africa against COVID-19

et al. 2021

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This study investigated the infection prevention and control measures adopted by eye care practitioners in Ghana and South Africa during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used to investigate infection prevention and control measures by eye care practitioners in Ghana (n=189) and South Africa (n=92) during the extended lockdown phase (01 April-30 June 2020) by both countries, immediately following the WHO declaration of COVI9-19 as a pandemic. Participants from both countries included Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic nurses, and Opticians who were invited via email and social media platforms to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed practitioners’ general knowledge on the COVID-19, viral exposure, infection prevention and control measures adopted during eye examinations. The majority of the practitioners from Ghana 140 (74%) and 43 (47%) South Africa reported COVID-19 screening at their facilities before the commencement of eye examinations. Few practitioners 77 (41%) and 9 (10) % from Ghana and South Africa, respectively had received any form of training (seminars and workshops) in COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. Practitioners frequently practiced hand washing - Ghana (125, 66%), South Africa (70, 76%) -, wearing of nose masks - Ghana 126 (67%), South Africa 51 (55%), alcohol-rub on equipment - Ghana 115 (61%), South Africa 45(49%) as a means of sterilizing the hand and equipment against COVID-19 during close contact examinations. The majority of practitioners from the two countries adhered to basic safety protocols despite receiving no additional training on COVID-19 infection prevention. Maintenance of universal safety precautions in eye care facilities is key to preventing nosocomial infections.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Assessment of infection prevention and control measures adopted by eye care practitioners in Ghana and South Africa against COVID-19

et al. 2021

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“…This is vital as several procedures involve the practitioner to be in close proximity to patients and as such proper use of PPE is essential. A survey of Optometrists and Opticians conducted in Austria, Germany and Switzerland reported that over 50% of the ECPs planned to wear masks during refraction, contact lens fitting and practiced hand washing and disinfection before performing procedures [31]. However, training in the use of PPE is important to avoid the ECP being infected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Knowledge, Practice and Guidelines towards the Novel COVID-19 among Eye Care Practitioners in Nigeria–A Survey-Based Study

Ekpenyong

Obinwanne²,

Ovenseri-Ogbomo

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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The aim of this study was to explore knowledge, practice of risk and guidelines of the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) infection among the eye care practitioners and the potential associated factors. A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was distributed via emails and social media networks between 2nd and 18th May 2020 corresponding to the week of the lockdown in Nigeria to eye care practitioners (ECPs). Data for 823 respondents were analyzed. Knowledge and risk practice were categorized as binary outcome and univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to examine the associated factors. The mean score for COVID-19-related knowledge of public health guidelines was high and varied across the ECPs. Ophthalmic Nurses, Ophthalmologists and Optometrists showed higher COVID-19-related knowledge than other ECPs (p < 0.001), particularly those working in the private sector. More than 50% of ECPs stated they provided essential services during the COVID-19 lockdown via physical consultation, particularly the Ophthalmologists. Most respondents reported that the guidelines provided by their Association were useful but expressed their lack of confidence in attending to patients during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Compared to other ECPs in Nigeria, more Ophthalmic Nurses received training in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This survey is the first to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. ECPs in Nigeria displayed good knowledge about COVID-19 and provided eye care services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria, despite the majority not receiving any training on the use of PPEs with concerns over attending to patients. There is need for the government to strengthen health systems by improving and extending training on standard infection prevention and control measures to ECPs for effective control of the pandemic and in the future as essential health workers.

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“…As contact lens practitioners exited the first lockdown and returned to work, they were grateful that their contact lens busines survived due to monthly payment schemes for regular replacement lenses [19]. Precautions were in place, such as slit lamp guards, additional cleaning between patients, and personal protective equipment [20,21]. Chair time became more precious after lockdown and most practices reserved appointments slots for emergency and priority patients.…”

Section: Times They Are A-changin For Contact Lens Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Times they are a-changin for contact lens practice

Naroo

Kapoor

Zeri

2021

Contact Lens and Anterior Eye

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COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey of future use of personal protective equipment in optometric practice

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this project was to evaluate which personal protective equipment (PPE) eye care practitioners (ECP) will use during the next months and also what they will ask the patient to use in clinical practice. J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f

Cited by 14 publications

References 3 publications

Assessment of infection prevention and control measures adopted by eye care practitioners in Ghana and South Africa against COVID-19

Assessment of infection prevention and control measures adopted by eye care practitioners in Ghana and South Africa against COVID-19

Assessment of Knowledge, Practice and Guidelines towards the Novel COVID-19 among Eye Care Practitioners in Nigeria–A Survey-Based Study

Times they are a-changin for contact lens practice

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