Video Conferencing in the Intravitreal Injection Clinic in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: To share a useful intervention to minimize risk of COVID-19 infection toboth healthcare workers and patients in the eye clinic. Methods: We present our experience of virtual, within-clinic remote visual acuityassessment to reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19. Results: Along with standard recommendations for personal protective equipmentand hand hygiene to contain viral spread and treating only urgent cases, remotewithin-clinic visual acuity testing and consultations can be undertaken with minimalspecialist equipment and appears to provide useful information whilst beingacceptable to patients. Conclusion: Ophthalmology practice must adapt in order to combat COVID-19. Thismeasure can easily be incorporated into daily practice to reduce both patientfootfall within the department and close contact between patient and healthcarepractitioners.