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Preserving Vision in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Health Equity
Elise V Mike1, Daniel Laroche2,3
1Medical Scientist Training Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|August 18, 2020
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities, particularly impacting Black and Hispanic communities due to pre-existing conditions. Addressing health inequities in ophthalmology requires diversifying leadership, expanding telemedicine, and advocating for insurance reform.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Health Equity
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted healthcare systems globally.
- Disproportionate mortality rates observed in Black and Hispanic populations are linked to pre-existing health conditions.
- Health inequities are prevalent in ophthalmology, necessitating urgent attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the impact of health inequities in ophthalmology exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To propose immediate and longitudinal actions to mitigate health disparities in eye care.
- To advocate for healthcare reform that promotes health equity.
Main Methods:
- Review of pandemic-related health disparities.
- Analysis of pre-existing conditions contributing to disparities.
- Identification of strategies for improving health equity in ophthalmology.
Main Results:
- Black and Hispanic individuals face disproportionately higher mortality rates from COVID-19.
- Pre-existing conditions like hypertension, obesity, and asthma are significant contributing factors.
- Ophthalmology faces global health inequities that demand systemic solutions.
Conclusions:
- Immediate actions include diversifying ophthalmology leadership and industry, embracing telemedicine, and advocating for increased health insurance coverage.
- Longitudinal strategies involve recognizing and rejecting structural racism, addressing modifiable risk factors, enhancing cultural competency, promoting workforce diversity, and fostering global leadership.
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