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Ophthalmologists Discuss the “New Normal”

It’s safe to say that the pandemic has resulted in one clear trend: Webinars are now more popular than ever before. Prior to social distancing and COVID-19, these technologies — although available — were not fully embraced by many in the business or medical community. 

And not only are webinars popular now — in ophthalmology, they are crucial for continued education. In addition, these virtual meetings are also providing crucial COVID-19 information to surgeons — which is especially critical as ophthalmology clinics and hospitals slowly begin to reopen for elective procedures.

One such webinar was hosted by Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (ADEH), Gurugram, Haryana, India, and Team Arunodaya, including Drs. Arun Sethi, Reena Sethi, Vaibhav Sethi, Sahebaan Sethi and Aditya Sethi. Called “Surviving the Storm: An International Perspective on COVID-19 and the Future Of Ophthalmic Practice,” this webinar featured discussions on how the pandemic has impacted career direction and finances, along with insights into the “new normal.” 

Reopening Safely is the Main Priority

Dr. Barbara Parolini, an ophthalmologist in northern Italy, closed her private practice on March 2; it reopened in mid-April with new protocols for consultations. This first step begins over the phone to determine that the patient does not have COVID-19 or symptoms of the virus before visiting the clinic.

“The second selection [for consultations] is on-site with a questionnaire, their temperature is measured and gloves and masks are offered,” she explained. Patient bookings have changed too: “I used to see three patients per hour, but now I am seeing two and they are never overlapping in the waiting room.”

Ophthalmologists Discuss the “New Normal”
Dr. Parolini describes new safety measures implemented at her private practice. 

In addition, after each patient, she said they disinfect everything, including door handles, chairs and instrumentation. “Still, we are not using puff or air tonometry, only single-use tonometers,” added Dr. Parolini. 

Waiting for the New Normal 

“In my local area, the case fatality [from COVID-19] is somewhere around 10 percent,” said Dr. Cathleen McCabe, an ophthalmologist based in Sarasota, Florida, United States. Even so, the state is reopened for elective procedures back on May 4. 

“In our facility, we are restricting volume, so we can maintain social distancing and do all of the things that keep people safe,” she said. In addition, they are limiting surgeries for patients over age 75 and for those with serious comorbidities. 

“The old days are gone,” she continued, adding that the “new normal” is not going to look like our previous normal. “My top concern is safety for the patients, staff and doctors . . . and we need to do that while maintaining some level of efficiency.” Dr. McCabe said that this will change the workflow, as well as local and international outreach.

“In the U.S., we don’t have rapid or accurate COVID-19 testing — it would be wonderful if we did — a lot of our phase 1 and 2 reopenings are around that, and it’s not practical because it’s not available, at least in my area,” she continued. 

Ophthalmologists Discuss the “New Normal”
Dr.Cathleen McCabe discusses safety measures for reopening ophthalmology clinics.

To stay safe, in addition to implementing social distancing measures, Dr. McCabe said they’ve invested in telemedicine. “Our practice, as a whole, just did its 1,000th telehealth call.”

She said that some doctors are embracing telemedicine more than others, and that there are some limits on what can be done virtually. “Certainly you can do a lot of the patient consultation and education,” she explained, adding that it’s also good for triaging the urgency of an in-person visit, avoiding patient trips to crowded ERs, establishing and reinforcing relationships, and for follow-up visits. They are also looking at hybrid visits with telemedicine, home monitoring for IOP and home OCT, and drive-through testing.

Hit the Share Button

Ophthalmologists Discuss the “New Normal”
Mr. Matt Young shares his personal experience with COVID-19.

Along with ophthalmologists from around the world, PIE magazine CEO and Publisher Matt Young joined the panel for this timely webinar. During his presentation, Mr. Young explained his personal experience with COVID-19 and described how it’s changed the way we communicate in the industry. 

One thing he’s noticed? That most ophthalmic media moved from very high production value to very low production value. Therefore, Mr. Young encouraged ophthalmologists to record their own personal videos and submit them to industry media.

“For the ophthalmologists who want to get their news out, start taking those selfie videos and recording your webinars and submitting them (if interesting) to ophthalmology media companies,” he shared. “Ophthalmologists are out there on the front lines and things are happening to you, consider not only sharing the clinical aspect of what’s going on, but also the personal aspect.

“Engage your media partners around the world, whether it’s us or other companies, because we are adept at telling stories and getting those important stories out there,” he concluded.

Editor’s Note: The “Surviving the Storm: An International Perspective on COVID-19 and the Future of Ophthalmic Practice” webinar occurred on May 2 from 5-7 p.m. (IST).

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Dr Parul Lokwani
3 years ago

A well researched and informative webinar and a well illustrated article.
The vivid description of the personal experience of Matt Young, is very grim but touches the heart.
Keep it up.

Dr. Arun Sethi
3 years ago

we agree

gloria
3 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Arun Sethi

Thank you Dr. Sethi…and congratulations!

Dr Parul Lokwani
3 years ago

The article gives a very clear picture of how an Ophthalmologist should prepare to start their practice, post Covid 19.
Very informative and personal touch by Matt Young.
Congratulations to Team Arunodaya.

gloria
3 years ago

We appreciate the kudos, Dr. Lokwani. Best regards.