Effect of COVID-19 related lockdown on ophthalmic practice and patient care in India: Results of a survey.

摘要: Purpose: In early 2020, the World Health Organization declared outbreak of disease COVID-19, caused by a new variant coronavirus 2019-nCoV as global pandemic. The government India ordered nationwide lockdown for 21 days, limiting movement people preventive measure. This survey was designed and conducted during period to assess its effect on ophthalmic practice patient care in India. Methods: An online sent across practicing Indian ophthalmologists through various social media platforms. All valid responses were tabulated analyzed. Results: A total 1260 responded survey. Most respondents (775/1260; 61.5%) private 14.8% (187/1260) affiliated institutes. At time taking survey, 72.5% (913/1260) not seeing any patients due lockdown. Of those who still examining patients, 82.9% (287/347) only emergency cases, based their own clinical judgement. proportion institutes, municipal hospitals (126/253;49.8%) significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than (174/775;22.4%). Apart from emergencies such trauma, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis (81.8%), other surgeries that being performed included intravitreal injections (9.1%) cataract (5.9%). Approximately, 77.5% (976/1260) had begun telephonic/e-mail/video consultations or over applications since began. addition, 59.1% (745/1260) felt potentially at risk contracting COVID-19 compared specialties while patients. When asked about resumption upon easing off restrictions, 57.8% (728/1260) said they unsure when resume elective surgeries; furthermore, 62.8% (791/1260) preferred screening strategy precautionary approach prior resuming awaiting guidelines. Conclusion: Our shows majority lockdown, with near-total cessation surgeries. Emergency services attended 27.5% responded. large proportions switched telephonic advice forms telemedicine assist responding unclear how related restrictions. Regulatory bodies should take note this issue appropriate guidelines regarding same.