Digital Advancements in Retinal Models of Care in the Post–COVID-19 Lockdown Era

Abstract

The coronavirus disease–2019 (COVID-19) pandemic introduced unique barriers to retinal care including limited access to imaging modalities, ophthalmic clinicians, and direct medical interventions. These unprecedented barriers were met with the robust implementation of digital advances to aid in monitoring and efficiency of retinal care while taking into the account of public safety. Many of these innovations have been successful in maintaining efficiency and patient satisfaction and are likely to stay to help preserve vision in the future. In this article we highlight these advances implemented during the pandemic including telescreening triage, virtual retinal imaging clinics, at-home optical coherence tomography, mobile phone self-monitoring, and virtual reality monitoring technology. We also discuss advancing innovations including Internet of Things and Blockchain technology that will be critical for further implementation and security of these digital advancements.

Update on coronavirus disease 2019: Ophthalmic Manifestations and Adverse Reactions to Vaccination

“…The rapid immunization against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity in the global population by widescale vaccination campaigns accompanied the surge of ophthalmic adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccinations. The pandemic has also brought along moderate changes in the mode of ophthalmic practices, especially the role of artificial intelligence, digital technology, and virtual health care 7–12 …”

“…The pandemic has also brought along moderate changes in the mode of ophthalmic practices, especially the role of artificial intelligence, digital technology, and virtual health care. [7][8][9][10][11][12] This comprehensive review aims to provide a summary of COVID-19-related ophthalmic manifestations and the ophthalmic adverse events related to its vaccinations. This knowledge would become indispensable to practicing ophthalmologists and general physicians as COVID-19 transforms from a pandemic to an endemic to affect patients from all populations and regions in the years or decades ahead.…”

Impact of Digital Technology on Eye Diseases During COVID-19

“…Our understanding of the novel coronavirus and its relationship with ophthalmology has come a long way over the past 2 years: from understanding its mode of transmission, to precautionary measures, to its ocular manifestations during the acute phase, and now more recently its features among long-COVID individuals 1–5. In this issue of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology , Ong et al6 reviewed the role of telemedicine and self-monitoring technology among patients with retinal diseases, while Li et al7 conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the impact of COVID-19 on myopia.…”