Safety measures in ophthalmology practice in COVID-19 era

Abstract EN

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rapidly emerged as a global health threat as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The proximity between the ophthalmologist and the patient required during ophthalmological examination may put ophthalmologists at an increased risk of infection.

Consequently, ophthalmologists need to have correct prevention strategies in place to avoid infection.

Methods: An internet based questionnaire was administered to ophthalmologists of Upper Egypt, Egypt.

A total of 207 participants were included in the study.

Full ethical considerations were followed.

Results: 71percent Of the participants followed the infection control measures with 94.2% used face mask, 80% used alcohol in ophthalmology practice, and others used many other methods or combinations.

About 60% of the participants are planning to stop practice in the pandemic, about40% do emergent surgical interventions only.

Conclusion: In order To minimize the transmission of COVID-19, ophthalmologists should work according to infection control measures that are appropriate for their own clinical settings.