Backlog in ophthalmic surgeries associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario 2020

To assess the volume of deferred ophthalmic surgeries in Ontario associated with the COVID-19 pandemic from March to December 2020 and suggest strategies and time required to clear the backlog.

Cross-sectional study.

Ontarians eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan in 2017-2020.

Backlog and clearance time for ophthalmic surgeries associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were estimated from time-series forecasting models and queuing theory.

From March 16 to December 31, 2020, the estimated ophthalmic surgical backlog needing operating rooms was 92,150 surgeries (95% prediction interval, 71,288-112,841). Roughly 90% of the delayed surgeries were cataract surgeries, and a concerning 4% were retinal detachment surgeries. Nearly half the provincial backlog (48%; 44,542 of 92,150) was in patients from the western health region. In addition, an estimated 23,755 (95% prediction interval, 14,656-32,497) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections were missed. Estimated provincial clearance time was 248 weeks (95% CI, 235-260) and 128 weeks (95% CI, 121-134) if 10% and 20% of operating room surgical capacity per week were added, respectively, based on the weekly ophthalmic surgical volume in 2019.

Ontario data demonstrate that the magnitude of the ophthalmic surgical backlog in 2020 alone raises serious concerns for meeting the ophthalmic surgical needs of patients. As the pandemic continues, the accrued backlog size is likely to increase. Planning and actions are needed urgently to better manage the collateral impacts of the pandemic on the ophthalmic surgical backlog.