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Review
. 2022 Mar 1;33(2):59-66.
doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000812.

How glaucoma care changed for the better after the pandemic

Kateki Vinod  1 , Paul A Sidoti
Affiliations
Review

How glaucoma care changed for the better after the pandemic

Kateki Vinod et al. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The current article reviews enhancements to the delivery of glaucoma care that developed in response to the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and are likely to persist beyond its resolution.

Recent findings: Literature from the review period (2020-2021) includes reports highlighting contributions of the ophthalmology community to global health during the pandemic. Glaucoma practices worldwide have instituted more robust infection control measures to mitigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission in the outpatient setting, and many of these modifications will endure in the post-COVID era. Operational adjustments have led to the provision of more efficient glaucoma care. A hybrid care model involving technician-based diagnostic testing and subsequent virtual consultation with a glaucoma specialist has evolved as a useful adjunct to traditional face-to-face encounters with patients.

Summary: Glaucoma specialists, patients, and staff have adapted to a 'new normal' of glaucoma care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although innovation has propelled several improvements to glaucoma care during this global health crisis, significant barriers to more widespread implementation of teleglaucoma still exist. Whether, and in what capacity, the pandemic has permanently altered glaucoma practice patterns remains to be seen.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Box 1
Box 1
no caption available
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    2. The authors review the ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 as well as changes implemented by ophthalmology practices worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.