How ophthalmology practice changed over 2 years of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: an Egyptian perspective

ABSTRACT

Objectives To investigate the changes in ophthalmological practice between the first and current waves of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as to evaluate the pattern of ophthalmology practice following COVID-19 vaccination. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional observational analytical study of ophthalmologists working in different hospitals in Cairo, Egypt. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included separate sections about (a) demographic data, (b) experience with COVID-19 infection, (c) current ophthalmologists' and patients' concerns, (d) experience with COVID-19 vaccination, (e) current changes of practice, (f) current safety measures, and (g) current flow of cases. Results The questionnaire was sent to 200 ophthalmologists, with a 77% response rate. Since the onset of the pandemic in Egypt, similar to 60% of the participants (83% were below 45 years of age) have been infected with COVID-19. When compared with the first wave, more than two-thirds of respondents expressed less psychic concern but the same economic concern about the pandemic. Although 90% of the participants have been vaccinated against COVID-19, more than 50% still feel unsafe regarding new infection. In comparison with the first wave, 45% of participants have reduced clinical safety measures. Participants also found that their patients' psychological concern was significantly lower compared with the first wave and patients' flow increased to approach prepandemic levels. Conclusion Concerns among ophthalmologists and patients have decreased significantly since the first COVID-19 wave, but economic concerns remain high.