Session: Poster session C

Review of clinic types introduced during lockdowns for the COVID19 pandemic

Introduction

Ophthalmology predominately requires face to face examination. However the 2020 COVID19 pandemic lockdowns forced us to consider other ways of working. Many of these could not be maintained following the initial crisis due to the need to physically examine the patient. Four years on we review what is still in place in our subspeciality of orthoptics, paediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, motility and neuro motility.

Method

A review of adaptations made during the pandemic including supply of cycloplegic drops for home instillation, video and telephone clinics, virtual clinics, patient initiated follow up and modifications to follow periods. Feedback has been considered from patients and staff.

Results

Many parents welcome the opportunity to instil drops at home and reduced waiting time in clinic even if it means attending 2 clinics rather than a joint clinic e.g. joint orthoptic optometric clinic. We now give a choice.

Video clinics continue. Patient satisfaction, particularly for parent/carers of paediatric patients, is less due to a number of factors not least no longer being confined to home.

Telephone clinics continue though timings have been modified to late afternoon / early evening.

Virtual clinics continue where appropriate. Consultants prefer a physical examination of disc concerns in children in addition to imaging particularly for those not ‘barn door’ normal or abnormal.

Patient initiated follow up is increasing; patients welcome the opportunity of a safety net particularly where they don’t agree with discharge. Early evidence suggests many don’t make an appointment inside the required 12 months.

Amblyopia review period has been extended to 3 months for most. Careful consideration is expected of every case to extend follow up to the maximum period.

Conclusions

Clinics other than traditional face to face continue and can add value and save time. Modifications have been made due to changing home/school/work situations and clinical effectiveness.