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Early-Phase Perceptions of COVID-19’s Impact on Ophthalmology Practice Patterns: A Survey from the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Author(s)
Daniel Sánchez-Cano
Andrés F. Lasave
Jaime Soria
Valentina Franco-Cárdenas
Víctor E. Reviglio
Paulo E.C. Dantas
Claudia Palacio-Pastrana
Juan Carlos Corbera
Rita Chan
Alberto Velzi Díaz
Milton Garcia Hernandez
Maurício Maia
Cristián Carpentier
Lihteh Wu
Martín Sánchez
Marcelo Murillo Sasamoto
Gonzalo Murillo Azcárraga
Jose Roca
Martín Serrano
Arturo Alezzandrini
Juan Sanchez Montoya
Gregorio Gabela
Gerardo García‐Aguirre
J. Fernando Arévalo
Date Issued
1 de octubre de 2023
Type
Article
Volume
Volume 17
Start Page
3249
End Page
3259
Abstract
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic affected medical practice worldwide due to interventions to prevent spreading. Its effect on ophthalmology practices in Latin America has not yet been explored. We aimed to assess the perceptions about the pandemic from countries' ophthalmological national and subspecialty retina societies affiliated to the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO). Patients and Methods: A survey-based study of leaders of national ophthalmological and retinal societies was conducted. The survey was sent by email to 30 societies, from which 20 responded (12 countries, 66.6% response rate). It included closed- and open-ended questions about (1) operational capacity and precautions, (2) telemedicine and virtual care, (3) procedures, and (4) post-pandemic considerations. Results: There was a marked decline in ophthalmology patient visits (80-95%) and elective surgeries (90%) during 2020 compared to before the pandemic. Precautions like temperature checks, mask usage, and social distancing were widely implemented while personal protective equipment (PPE) availability varied. Telemedicine use was limited due to lack of experience with it. Reopening plans focused on maintaining precautions and gradually resuming activities. Economic and security concerns were raised, and adherence to guidelines was emphasized. Respondents acknowledged the need to adapt to a "new normal". Long duration drugs, fewer imaging studies, and shorter wait times were preferred; however, availability of long duration drugs was limited. Conclusion: The pandemic impacted ophthalmology in Latin America, with reduced patient visits, procedures, and surgeries. Delayed treatment and complications were likely the result of the pandemic.
Keywords