Session: Poster session C

Utilising Virtual Clinics and Orthoptists to Aid COVID-19 Service Recovery in Adult Strabismus

Introduction: The Sheffield Virtual Adult Strabismus service was already well established and put to real-time trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe a multi-disciplinary adaptation to offer safe and effective service delivery. We evaluate the efficacy of a virtual strabismus service to meet clinical demand, streamline patient care and optimise medical input.

 

Methods: Prospective data analysis from the virtual clinics dated from January 2015 to November 2021. All information was captured at first consultation with comprehensive Orthoptic assessment and imaging. The strabismus consultant reviewed this for clinical outcome and discussed management virtually with patients.  

 

Results: Pre-COVID (January 2015–March 2020), 1,068 appointments were offered. During COVID (July 2020–November 2021), 442 appointments were offered. Clinical capacity increased to meet demand. Within two months of service re-opening, first appointment mean waiting time reduced below 18 weeks. During COVID, 24.6% of patients were listed for procedures after first visit. Face-to-face medical follow-up for non-surgical cases reduced from 47.7% to 16.3%.

 

Conclusions: Virtual strabismus services offer flexible, safe and effective ways to maximise limited time and resources. Orthoptists are uniquely essential and highly valued keyworkers to conservatively manage non-surgical strabismus, utilising their skillsets is crucial to sustain ongoing clinical demand and patient care.