Survey of Ophthalmological Practices in Thailand During the First Wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: To explore changesin ophthalmological practices during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Thailand.

Design: Descriptive Study

Methods: An internet-based survey was distributed to Thai ophthalmologists in June 2020. The survey consisted of 28 questions, focusing on ophthalmological practices before, during, and after the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Thailand.

Results: 215 responses were obtained, representing 15.59% of the 1379 ophthalmologists in the RCOPT database. The mean age of the respondents was 40 ± 8 years, and most were women (72.1%). 90.7% of the respondents were aware of the RCOPT recommendations on ophthalmological practices related to the COVID epidemic. Most ophthalmology clinics had implemented COVID-19 prevention measures, such as limiting the number of patients, using a slit-lamp protective barrier (99.1%), wearing a surgical mask (96.7%), and implementing social distancing (98.6%). Only 42.7% of the respondents sanitized their slit-lamp biomicroscopes after each patient visit. A total of 42.9% responded that they cleaned their hands after examining each patient.

Conclusions: Most Thai ophthalmologists took action to limit COVID-19 transmission in outpatient settings. The measures included using a slit-lamp protective barrier, wearing a surgical mask, and implementing social distancing. These practices aligned with the recommendations of the RCOPT.

(Data expresses as mean ± SD)