ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to describe the impact of lockdown and unlock phases of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation of ocular and periocular tumors at a referral center in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, hospital-based study included 5811 patients presenting between March 25, 2017, and March 31, 2021. The data on the patients diagnosed with ocular and periocular tumors in one or both eyes presenting during the lockdown and unlock phases were compared with the respective time periods in the previous 3 years before COVID-19. RESULTS: The patient numbers dropped by 85% (45/295) of pre-COVID-19 volumes during the lockdown phase. This was mainly because of a 33% reduction in patients requiring inter-state travel. There was complete recovery of the outpatient numbers to 105% (139/132) of pre-COVID-19 volumes by March 2021. This gradual incremental trend was seen in patients with malignant tumors (145%) and was lower in those with benign tumors (89%) than pre-COVID-19 volumes by March 2021. There was an increase in the patients presenting with malignant tumors (49%; P = 0.45) during the lockdown phase. The proportion of patients requiring inter-state travel showed a near-complete recovery to 88% of pre-COVID-19 distribution by March 2021. CONCLUSION: The 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant decline in the number of patients presenting with ocular and periocular tumors. There was an increase in the proportion of malignant tumors and a decrease in benign tumors during the lockdown phase. During unlock period, there was a near-complete recovery in the patients requiring inter-state travel to access eye care services.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To summarize the experience of response to COVID-19 outbreak at a tertiary eye care institute and its network of health facilities in India. METHODS: Our responses are based on the principles of social distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, surface disinfection protocol, and rational use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). We describe our response in terms of administrative controls, clinical protocols, staff protection, environmental controls, and social distancing measures. We also discuss our communication strategies and monitoring systems, to ensure compliance to protocols. RESULTS: Administrative control is mainly related to formation of task force and its functions. Clinical protocols are related to patient triaging methods and clinical examination guidelines in Outpatient, Inpatient and Operating Room. Staff protection is focused on training staff on the protocols to be followed in hospital as well as at home, and use of PPE. Environmental protocol is focused on cleaning and disinfectant methods to be used in the hospital. In addition, there are systems for communication as well as monitoring compliance to protocols. CONCLUSION: We hope that these protocols and our experience would help the ophthalmic community globally and serve as a guide to protect ophthalmologists and ophthalmic care personnel, and their patients across the world.
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 has witnessed a major transformation in the health care system worldwide. This has led to the re-organization of the specialty services for the effective utilization of available resources and ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Suspension of oncology services will have major implications on cancer care due to delayed diagnosis and treatment leading to irreversible adverse consequences. Therefore various oncology organizations have called for a continuation of cancer care during this crisis with diligence. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the clinicians to transform the components of care from screening to outpatient care and primary management. The purpose of this article is to establish guidelines and recommendations for ocular oncology in the management of ocular tumors set by a multidisciplinary team of experts including ocular, medical and radiation oncologists, and pathologists. As the pandemic is evolving fast, it will require constant updates and reformation of health strategies and guidelines for safe and quality health care.