Ophthalmology practice during COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of Indian ophthalmologists

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the ophthalmic practice pattern among ophthalmologists in India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire-based analysis was performed among members of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and results were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: A total of 2253 responses were received. The majority of the participants (72.6%) were between 30 and 60 years of age and were into private practice (64.7%). During the lockdown, over one-third of participant ophthalmologists reported not attending any OPD patients, whereas a majority (64%) provided only emergency ophthalmic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, <15% surgeries were performed compared to the pre-COVID-19 era by 81% of participants, whereas elective surgeries were performed by only 4.3%. The proportion of participants utilizing telemedicine in ophthalmology showed a two-fold rise from the pre-COVID-19 era (21.9%) to the COVID-19 pandemic (46%). Over half of the participants reported following the AIOS guidelines, reducing clinic hours, use of screening questionnaires, minimizing staff, and use of breath shield on a slit lamp as precautionary measures to reduce the exposure. Over 95% of ophthalmologists were satisfied (score > 5/10) by the AIOS guidelines for ophthalmic practice during COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the ophthalmic care services across India with telemedicine emerging as a major rescue. The majority of practicing ophthalmologists are satisfied with guidelines provided by AIOS for ophthalmic care during the COVID-19 pandemic and have implemented the same in their setup.

Evaluating perspective and quality of life of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: Results of a telephone survey

“…The recent COVID-19 pandemic had severely hit eye care in India. [ 8 , 9 ] Glaucoma service was not an exception. When comparing the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, Ayub et al .…”

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

“…The survey ( Supplementary file 1 ) was designed based on a literature review of studies describing the perception of ophthalmologists during the pandemic. 8 , 9 , 11–13 The questions included in the survey were divided into 4 groups for analysis: 1) Operational Capacity and Precautions: This group of questions focuses on the operational capacity of hospitals and clinics during the pandemic. It explores the intensive care unit (ICU) capacity and management, availability and utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE), and in-hospital measurements to prevent the spread of the virus; 2) Telemedicine and Virtual Care: This group of questions examines the adoption of telemedicine and virtual aids in ophthalmology practices during the pandemic.…”

“…The survey (Supplementary file 1) was designed based on a literature review of studies describing the perception of ophthalmologists during the pandemic. 8,9,[11][12][13] The questions included in the survey were divided into 4 groups for analysis: 1) Operational Capacity and Precautions: This group of questions focuses on the operational capacity of hospitals and clinics during the pandemic. It explores the intensive care unit (ICU) capacity and management, availability https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S434776…”

“… 7 Additionally, ophthalmic assessments require proximity between the ophthalmologist and the patient, thereby increasing the risk of contagion. 8 , 9 These factors contributed to a disruption in ophthalmology practices during the pandemic especially in Latin-America. 9 …”

“…7 Additionally, ophthalmic assessments require proximity between the ophthalmologist and the patient, thereby increasing the risk of contagion. 8,9 These factors contributed to a disruption in ophthalmology practices during the pandemic especially in Latin-America. 9 Investigating the clinical patterns and consequences in early stages of this disruption becomes crucial to address the impact on patient outcomes and establish strategies for optimizing ophthalmic care during similar situations in the future.…”