Ophthalmology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ophthalmology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

Itay Chowers, Jaime Levy, David Landau, Abraham SOLOMON, Shahar Frenkel, Hadas Ben-Eli, Radgonde Amer, Liran Tiosano, Shay Ofir, Khaled Safadi, Joshua M. Kruger, Hamzah Aweidah, Hadas Mechoulam, Irene Anteby, Itay Lavy, Tarek Jaouni, Gabriel Greifner, Tamar Levi Vineberg

ObjectiveTo present an established practice protocol for safe and effective hospital-setting ophthalmic practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods and AnalysisLiterature was reviewed to identify articles relevant to COVID-19 pandemic and ophthalmology. The following keywords were used: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and telemedicine, combined with eye, ophthalmology, conjunctivitis and tears. Data were extracted from the identified manuscripts and discussed among subspecialists to obtain consensus evidence-based practice.ResultsA protocol for ophthalmic practice in the era of COVID-19 pandemic was established. The protocol covered patient screening, clinic flow, required personal protective equipment and modifications of ophthalmic equipment for improved safety.ConclusionImportant literature emerged with respect to the practice of ophthalmology in the era of COVID-19. An evidence-based ophthalmic practice protocol was established and should be modified in the future to accommodate new insights on the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020

DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2020-000487

BMJ Open Ophthalmology

BMJ Publishing Group

Ophthalmology