Changes in Retina Practice Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in clinical practice patterns among retina specialists in the Philippines in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: This was a multi-center cross-sectional study based on a selfreported online survey. An online questionnaire was distributed among practicing retina specialists in the Philippines as listed in the database of the Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. The questionnaire contained questions regarding changes in clinic set-up, laser procedures, intravitreal injections, vitreoretinal surgery, and long-term outlooks. Results: A total of 48 responses were recorded and analyzed with a view rate of 41.7%. There was a decrease in the number of clinic consults, laser procedures, intravitreal injections, and vitreoretinal procedures with most reporting only 1-25% of their usual patient load. Several modifications in clinic protocols have been made, including use of personal protective equipment, adjustments in clinic hours, and scheduling of only urgent cases. The adjustments implemented during the pandemic are expected by most respondents to be longterm changes. Conclusion:Retina specialists in the Philippines have implemented changes in their practices to combat COVID-19, following guidelines issued by the local and international governing bodies on health.

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…”

Online Questionnaire-Based Study on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Non-Ophthalmic Physicians-in-Training Regarding Exposure Keratopathy Among Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Referral Hospital

“…Convenience and snowball sampling were used. A target minimum sample size of 75 respondents was needed based on an error rate of 5% and a confidence interval of 95%, and an assumed response rate of 42% referenced from the response rate of the survey study conducted by Bromeo et al 10 …”

Oclusão combinada de artéria e veia central da retina como primeira manifestação da síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolípide - relato de caso de uma apresentação infrequente

“…O glaucoma dos 100 dias pode ocorrer em cerca de 4% dos pacientes com oclusões mistas, especialmente nos casos mais graves e extensos da doença. O termo "100 dias" refere-se ao período do tempo médio em que essa complicação pode se desenvolver após a oclusão vascular, podendo, porém, este tempo variar amplamente 23,24 .…”