Experience of a Vitreoretina Clinic in a Tertiary Ophthalmology Referral
Center in Indonesia during COVID-19 Pandemic 2020
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought adjustments to
ophthalmology clinics, especially vitreoretinal clinics where
examinations and procedures are performed in close contacts. Screening
and surgery prioritization policy are essential to maintain safety for
medical personnel and patients. Aim: To present implementation of
screening and surgery prioritization policy in a tertiary ophthalmology
referral center in Indonesia. Methods: Safety protocol was implemented
in Kirana Eye Center, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
from April 2020 to prevent COVID-19 spread. Initial screening consisted
of temperature checking, hand hygiene, and questionnaire of COVID-19
signs and symptoms, was performed to patients and caregivers. Those with
sight-threatening emergencies were prioritized. Sight-threatening
surgical cases were also prioritized. Records of patients in
vitreoretinal clinic and operating room were taken on April 2020. Data
on diagnosis and procedures was analysed. Results and discussion: There
were drastic declines in the number of patients allowed entry to the
clinic and patients underwent surgery. There was approximately 80%
decrease of patients coming into the clinic with total of 314 patients
during March 2020. Most of these patients were pre-existing patients
followed up after surgery, patients with diabetic retinopathy and
retinal detachment (RD). Most cases managed surgically were RD. Most
carried out procedure was vitrectomy, endolaser, and silicone oil
tamponade. Conclusion: Our protocol of safety has been successful in
reducing patients coming in to our facility but still manage to treat
those with sight-threatening conditions. Our protocol may be a model for
developing countries. Keywords: COVID-19, vitreoretinal clinic, public
health, health policy Word count: 248