The Implications on Future Ophthalmic Care During and Post-COVID-19

Fan, Qian; Wang, Hongxia; Kong, Wen-Jun; Zhang, Wei; Li, Zhouyue; Wang, Yan

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.653708

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The prepandemic approach to ophthalmologic practice may be challenged by an evolved, more efficient strategy due to mandatory remote placement of nonclinical/surgical staff, telecommuting from less expensive facilities, and other relevant efforts to maximize capacity through learned efficiency. 17,18 Understanding potential clinical volume decreases associated with future public health emergencies may optimize the next ophthalmologic response. For example, if glaucoma surgical volume is expected to decrease by 35% for a 10-week stretch and glaucoma clinical volume by 50% for a 12-week stretch, then a tailored approach to anticipate and optimize this reduced demand can be considered.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Surgical Volumes Among Fellowship-Trained Glaucoma Subspecialists

Hussain,

Andoh,

Loya

et al. 2023

Journal of Glaucoma

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Précis: The change in glaucoma surgical volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic was not uniform across procedure types and unequal between rural and urban practice locations. Purpose: To quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical volumes performed by fellowship-trained glaucoma subspecialists. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis of the CMS Medicare Public Use File extracted all glaucoma surgeries including micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries, trabeculectomy, goniotomy, lasers, and cataract surgery performed by fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeons in rural and urban areas between 2016 and 2020. Predicted estimates of 2020 surgical volumes were created utilizing linear squares regression. Percent change between predicted and observed 2020 surgical volume estimates was analyzed. Statistical significance was achieved at P<0.05. Results: In 2020, fellowship trained glaucoma surgeons operated mostly in urban areas (N=810, 95%). A 29% and 31% decrease in predicted cataract surgery volumes in urban and rural areas was observed. Glaucoma surgeries experienced a 36% decrease from predicted estimates (N=56,781). MIGS experienced a 86% and 75% decrease in rural and urban areas respectively. Trabeculectomy in rural areas experienced a 16% increase relative to predicted estimates while urban areas experienced a decrease of 3% (P>0.05). The number of goniotomies decreased by 10% more in rural areas than in urban areas (−22% and −12%, respectively). Laser procedures decreased by 8% more in urban areas than in rural areas (−18% and −10%, respectively). Conclusions: Among glaucoma-trained surgeons, glaucoma surgeries experienced a greater volume loss than cataract surgeries. In urban US areas, relative reductions in MIGS and goniotomy volumes in urban areas may have been compensated by greater laser and trabeculectomy volumes. Trabeculectomies in rural areas was the only group exceeding predicted estimates. Glaucoma subspecialists may utilize these findings when planning for future events and in overcoming any remaining unmet need in terms of glaucoma care.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Surgical Volumes Among Fellowship-Trained Glaucoma Subspecialists

Hussain,

Andoh,

Loya

et al. 2023

Journal of Glaucoma

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“…This varied clinical data will support the primary care physicians to take timely decision for triage referral in subsequent wave of COVID-19. [ 15 16 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical diversities of patient eye care in para-COVID-19 era in Western Odisha

Panda¹,

Nanda²

2022

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

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Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic had an unprecedented effect on eye care services. The present study was conducted to assess the varied eye diseases and care around COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at BBMCH, Balangir, Ophthalmology Department, Western Odisha, from September 2019 to May 2021 in three phases (i.e., September 2019 to March 2020, April to October 2020, November 2020 to March 2021). The total OPD consultations and emergency eye surgeries conducted around the COVID-19 period were retrieved from direct attendance in the OPD register, references, or tele-consultation. Results: Cumulative OPD eye consultations were found to be 13000, 3700, 7200 in pre-COVID, COVID and post-COVID period, respectively. Marked decrease in OPD cases (70%) was noticed in peak COVID period (April 2020 to October 2020) followed by slight increase during November 2020 to May 2021 i.e., (40% decrease). Allergic conjunctivitis was the commonest presentation in pre-COVID era, as compared to refractive error in COVID period. In post-COVID period, referrals, follow up cases, pending old surgical cases, red eyes formed major chunk of OPD attendance. Only 30% emergency cases underwent surgery during peak COVID, (Trauma cases, lens induced glaucoma, hypermature cataract, MLC cases, and one-eyed patients). But during post-COVID period this rose to 60%. Eight pediatric patients with intracorneal foreign body were given urgent treatment. Conclusion: Due to government guidelines and lockdown restrictions, majority (65%) of patients could not receive adequate treatment. But relaxation of rules in post-COVID period increased patient load to 75%.

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