Physician Satisfaction With Virtual Ophthalmology Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Tertiary Eye Care Center Experience

The value of virtual glaucoma clinics: a review

Virtual clinics are being utilised to tackle the growing demand for glaucoma healthcare. We conducted a literature search on 28 February 2023 using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Web of Science databases. We searched for studies on virtual glaucoma clinics, published in the English language between 2000 and 2023. Studies suggest that virtual glaucoma clinics are a safe and effective alternative to traditional face-to-face clinics for patients with stable and early-to-moderate glaucoma. Patient satisfaction is high across all clinics surveyed. Satisfaction appears to be linked to good communication, trust and improved waiting times. The majority of healthcare professionals are also content with virtual glaucoma clinics. There are no dedicated cost-benefit analyses for virtual glaucoma clinics in the UK. However, virtual clinics in other specialties have reported significant cost savings.

Eye disease and international travel: a critical literature review and practical recommendations

RATIONALE FOR REVIEW

Eye diseases pose a significant public health and economic burden, particularly for travellers exposed to ocular hazards who may lack access to specialist eye care. This article offers an evidence-based review for travel-health practitioners, with a particular emphasis on ocular infections and trauma that are more prevalent among travellers. Providing an overview of these issues will allow travel health practitioners to comprehensively address ophthalmic considerations of travel.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase electronic databases, using keywords related to travel medicine and ophthalmology. Inclusion was based on the relevant contribution to epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostics, management and long-term consequences of travel-related eye conditions. The data were analysed using narrative synthesis.

KEY FINDINGS

This literature review highlighted that various travel-related eye conditions may occur. Travellers should be aware of the risk of travel-related ocular complications, which can arise from ocular infections, high-risk activities, high altitude and space travel. The economic and logistical challenges associated with medical tourism for ophthalmic procedures are discussed. For travellers with pre-existing eye conditions or visual impairment, careful planning may be needed to promote eye health and ensure safety of travel.

CONCLUSIONS

Travel medicine practitioners should have a comprehensive understanding of the major ocular risks associated with overseas travel, including eye infections, eye injuries and solar eye damage. Further research in this area can enhance overall wellness and alleviate the burden of ocular diseases on travellers. Evidence-based guidelines based on research can also improve the quality of care and prevent long-term vision problems.

The ocular symptoms and signs during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

The aim of this cohort study was to describe the change in ocular surface signs and symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to associate changes with potential pandemic-related events.

METHODS

First-visit patients from 2019 to 2021 were examined for corneal staining, lacrimal function and refraction. We assessed the presence of seven common ocular symptoms. Patients with glaucoma and macular disease were excluded. Dry eye (DE) was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Asia Dry Eye Society.

RESULTS

The mean age of 3,907 participants was 59.6±18.6y and 63.8% were female. Mean age and the prevalence of diagnosed DE and shortened tear break-up time decreased from 2019 to 2021. The prevalence of eye fatigue, blurring and photophobia decreased in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of diagnosed DE did not increase among first-visit patients during the pandemic compared with 2019, despite many survey results suggesting that DE may have worsened due to frequent masking, increased screen time, mental stress, and depression under quarantine and social infection control. It might be considered however, that many elderly DE patients might have refrained from consulting an ophthalmologist and possibly delayed treatment of DE during the pandemic.