Change in Ophthalmology Practice during COVID-19 Pandemic: Egyptian Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmology practice in Cairo metropolitan area. Methods: A cross sectional observational analytic study among ophthalmologists practicing in different hospitals in Cairo metropolitan area. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire covering general measures taken during practice. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 250 ophthalmologists with 82% response. Most of the participants were concerned about the economic impact of the pandemic, as there is 60-80% reduction in the flow of patients with consequent 80-100% reduction in the surgical cases. Most of the participants have access to protective personal equipments, and safety protocols are followed, especially by the older ophthalmologists. So, surgeons are willing to perform elective surgeries taking strict safety protocols (70.8%, 42.6%, 18.8% for the refractive surgeons, corneal surgeons, retinal surgeons respectively, p=0.00). Furthermore, 63.9% of the participants,especially the young ophthalmologists, are willing to see COVID-19 patients and operate on them if needed. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic could go on for months or even years with a significant impact on the ophthalmology practice. Trying to keep the balance between safety and economic burdens, the majority of ophthalmologists are willing to see elective patients and operate on an urgent COVID-19 patient, with adherence to the safety protocols.