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. 2021 Feb;28(1):90-92.
doi: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1832236. Epub 2020 Oct 13.

An Algorithm for Ramp Up of Ophthalmic Elective Surgeries Post-COVID-19

Yesha S Shah  1 , Sidra Zafar  1 , Thomas V Johnson  1 , Divya Srikumaran  1 , Michael X Repka  1 , Fasika A Woreta  1
Affiliations

An Algorithm for Ramp Up of Ophthalmic Elective Surgeries Post-COVID-19

Yesha S Shah et al. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: As ophthalmic elective surgeries resume amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols for testing patients for SARS-CoV-2 is important due to the transmissibility of the virus. Here, we describe the protocol our institution has implemented for screening asymptomatic patients before proceeding to elective ophthalmic surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review analyzed the number of elective surgeries, results of SARS-CoV-2 testing, and the effect of a positive result on surgery scheduling. Results: We display the screening protocol our institution used to test for SARS-CoV-2. Through its implementation, we found 2 asymptomatic patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 resulting in cancellation of their surgeries. Conclusion: Because of the possibility of positive COVID-19 status in asymptomatic patients and the risk this poses to patients and staff, we recommend testing all asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to elective surgeries.

Keywords: Covid-19; Screening protocol; asymptomatic; elective surgery; testing.

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