How glaucoma care changed for the better after the pandemic

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated rapid adaptations in healthcare delivery.
• Glaucoma care, requiring regular monitoring and patient interaction, faced significant disruption.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for resilient and adaptable models of glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in glaucoma care delivery prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify which pandemic-induced changes are likely to persist in routine practice.
• To assess the impact of these changes on the efficiency and accessibility of glaucoma care.

Main Methods:

• A literature review of publications from 2020-2021 focusing on glaucoma care during the pandemic.
• Analysis of reported changes in infection control, operational workflows, and patient care models.
• Synthesis of findings on the sustainability of implemented modifications.

Main Results:

• Glaucoma practices implemented enhanced infection control measures to reduce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission.
• Operational adjustments resulted in more efficient glaucoma care delivery.
• A hybrid model combining technician-led diagnostics with virtual specialist consultations emerged as a valuable supplement to traditional care.

Conclusions:

• Glaucoma care has adapted to a "new normal" driven by the pandemic.
• Innovations have improved glaucoma care, but barriers to widespread teleglaucoma implementation remain.
• The long-term impact of the pandemic on glaucoma practice patterns is yet to be fully determined.