Oculoplastic Surgeons’ Surgical, Clinical, and Management Experiences During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

During the COVID-19 crisis, the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) recommended cessation of all nonurgent oculofacial services, imparting unprecedented challenges in patient care and practice management. An anonymous survey was performed to assess surgeons’ surgical, clinical, and financial experiences during the COVID-19 restrictions. Results were collected from April 20 to May 1, 2020 and analyzed. A total 112 ASOPRS members participated. A significant majority (81.52%) performed surgeries during the COVID-19 restrictions. Fourteen percent did not allow trainee participation. While operating, 34.41% always wore an N-95 mask. Preoperative patient COVID-19 testing was mandated in 37.21% of practices. Fewer than half of surgeons were required to leave the operating room during intubation. A large majority (88.76%) of ASOPRS members used telemedicine, with most finding the virtual platform to function moderately well (62.92%) for oculofacial evaluations. Senior ASOPRS members were less interested in continuing virtual patient encounters in the future ( P = .0130). Nearly all private practice surgeons (95.38%) had applied for federal funding and 83.51% expressed concern about the long-term financial well-being of their practice. ASOPRS surgeons have provided emergency oculofacial patient care during COVID-19, though often without proper safety precautions. New virtual patient evaluation platforms and financial practice hardships have posed additional challenges.