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Research Paper | Ophthalmology | India | Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024 | Rating: 6.4 / 10
Impact of COVID 19 on Eye Health Access - Patient Perspectives
Dr. Syed Faraaz Hussain | Dr. Venya Sharma | Dr. Anamika Pandey
Abstract: Purpose: COVID 19 pandemic has affected health care delivery and access in a myriad number of ways, but the ones affected most are our patients. For us to provide appropriate health care, especially with regards ophthalmology, we need to take into consideration patients perspectives with regards access to eye health care delivery. Methods: Questionnaire based cross sectional, observational study, with emphasis on patient perception with regards general eye care, refractive errors, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and paediatric ophthalmology. Results were recorded and analysed using spread - sheet based assessment. Results: Majority of the people questioned felt that COVID era with its restrictions and serious ill effects on general health has affected their eye care, though in a mild way with decrease in vision being the most common complaint. Increase in screen time associated dryness, advancing cataracts, lack of regular IOP monitoring, worsening retinopathy and children with undetected or poorly updated refractive corrections. Conclusion: Considering eye health is many times neglected in the developing world due to socio - economic reasons, the pandemic has only worsened this scenario. This study concluded that we need to step up routine eye care, with regular follow up and outreach programmes, especially for advancing cataracts, unmonitored glaucoma, school aged children and those lost to follow up, having a targeted approach.
Keywords: COVID 19, Eye health, patient perspectives
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024,
Pages: 37 - 41