Novel COVID-19 Pandemic Threat: Systematic Approaches To Preventing and Controlling Transmission in Eye Care System in Developing Countries

Background: 2019-novel coronavirus is a pandemic and major threat being how to avoid catching an infection. Purpose: To develop a working protocol to prevent and control community transmission of novel and life-threatening corona viral strain (COVID 19) in a tertiary eye care system of a tier-three city in developing counties such as India and underdeveloped countries. Methods: Prevention and control measures concerning staff training, working environment, staff health, patients, and outreach activities implemented and being practiced in our tertiary care ophthalmology hospital are focussed. Results: Proper and adequate training imparted by a qualified immunologist in addition to continual updates on disease out breaking news and guidelines to the employees. Ways to limit transmission within and between patients and staff are discussed in conjunction with the disinfection of equipment and high- and low-risk areas in a more frequent manner. Outreach camps are stopped in the obedience of the authorized governing bodies. Conclusion: This systemic approach developed based on our experience, and observational data will be useful in preventing transmission of this pandemic threat.

​Clinical Presentation and Management of Urethral Strictures: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Male urethral stricture (US) disease is a common condition which results in narrowing or obliteration of the urethrallumen and may involve any segment of the urethra from the urethral meatus to the bladder neck.Aim: This study aims to study the clinical presentation and management of US.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 200 patient’s data were analyzed. Stricture characteristics, investigations,treatment, and complications were recorded.Results: In this study, 190 (95%) males and 10 (5%) females were included in the study. The mean age of onset of USs was51 ± 7.28 years. The most common site of the occurrence of male US was the bulbar urethra (80 patients). Endoscopy opticalinternal urethrotomy was done in 60 patients and dilatation was done in 40 patients and 30 patients needed buccal mucosal graft.Conclusion: The US is a common disease that accounts for a considerable amount of morbidity and cost to the health-caresystem. Proper diagnosis and repair of the strictures are essential along with the appropriate imaging modality to prevent therisk of renal failure and to reduce morbidity.