An Algorithm for Ramp Up of Ophthalmic Elective Surgeries Post-COVID-19

• Published in: Ophthalmic epidemiology Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 90 - 92
• Main Authors: Shah, Yesha S., Zafar, Sidra, Johnson, Thomas V., Srikumaran, Divya, Repka, Michael X., Woreta, Fasika A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Algorithms; Carrier State - diagnosis; Child; Child, Preschool; COVID-19 - diagnosis; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing; Elective Surgical Procedures; Eye Diseases - surgery; Humans; Infant; Middle Aged; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; elective surgery; Covid-19; Screening protocol; asymptomatic; testing
• ISSN: 0928-6586; 1744-5086; 1744-5086
• DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1832236

: As ophthalmic elective surgeries resume amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols for testing patients for SARS-CoV-2 is important due to the transmissibility of the virus. Here, we describe the protocol our institution has implemented for screening asymptomatic patients before proceeding to elective ophthalmic surgery. A retrospective chart review analyzed the number of elective surgeries, results of SARS-CoV-2 testing, and the effect of a positive result on surgery scheduling. : We display the screening protocol our institution used to test for SARS-CoV-2. Through its implementation, we found 2 asymptomatic patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 resulting in cancellation of their surgeries.  : Because of the possibility of positive COVID-19 status in asymptomatic patients and the risk this poses to patients and staff, we recommend testing all asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to elective surgeries.