Utilising Virtual Clinics and Orthoptists to Aid COVID-19 Service Recovery in Adult Strabismus

Abstract

Background:The Sheffield Virtual Adult Strabismus service was already well established and was put to real-time trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe a multidisciplinary adaptation to offer a safe and effective service delivery. We evaluate the efficacy of a virtual strabismus service during the pandemic to meet clinical demand, streamline patient care, balance care delivery and optimise medical input.Methods: Prospective data analysis from the virtual strabismus clinics dated from January 2015 to November 2021. All information was captured at first consultation with comprehensive specialist Orthoptic assessment and imaging; then reviewed by a strabismus consultant for clinical outcome. Management was discussed virtually with patients by the consultant.