Utilising Virtual Clinics and Orthoptists to Aid COVID-19 Service Recovery in Adult Strabismus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The Sheffield Virtual Adult Strabismus service was established prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The pandemic necessitated a real-time trial and multi-disciplinary adaptation of the virtual service for safe and effective delivery.
• The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the virtual strabismus service in meeting clinical demand, streamlining care, and optimizing medical input during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a virtual strabismus service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the service's ability to meet clinical demand and streamline patient care.
• To determine if the virtual model could balance care delivery and optimize medical input.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data analysis of virtual strabismus clinics from January 2015 to November 2021.
• Comprehensive specialist orthoptic assessment and imaging at first consultation.
• Virtual management discussions between strabismus consultants and patients.

Main Results:

• Pre-COVID, 1,068 appointments were offered; during COVID (July 2020-November 2021), 442 were offered, indicating clinical capacity increased to meet demand.
• Mean waiting time for first appointments reduced to under 18 weeks within two months of service re-opening.
• Face-to-face follow-ups for non-surgical cases decreased significantly, while 24.6% of patients were listed for procedures after their first virtual visit.

Conclusions:

• Virtual strabismus services provide flexible, safe, and effective care, adapting to fluctuating referral patterns and maximizing resources.
• Orthoptists are crucial for conservative management of non-surgical strabismus.
• Leveraging Allied Health Professionals' (AHPs) skillsets is vital for sustaining clinical demand and patient care within the NHS.