COVID-19 AND OPHTHALMIC HEALTH: MAINFESTATIONS, IMPACT ON ROUTINE PRACTICE AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Dr. Payal P. Gonde* and Dr. Vineeta Singh

ABSTRACT

The pandemic of COVID 19 is having a profound effect on lives of millions of people around world. Worldwide medical community is facing biggest challenge in modern history. The World is collectively in situation in which there’s no experience as well as limited preparation. With cancellation or delay of all elective surgical procedures and limiting of out- patients visits, backlog will be enormous when restrictions are lifted. The ophthalmological clinic are more crowded areas in hospital with patients of all age group. Ophthalmologist pose direct risk due to proximity of eye health professional to patients and eye examinations. COVID-19 has implications for ophthalmologist and ophthalmic practice. A protocol for ophthalmic practice in the era of COVID-19 pandemic was established. The protocol covered patient screening, clinic flow, required personal protective equipment and modifications of ophthalmic equipment for improved safety, preventive measures and impact on ophthalmic practice.

Keywords: Covid-19, Ophthalmology, Guidelines, lockdown, pandemic, precautions, preferred practice.