Abstract:
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rapidly emerged as a global health threat as announced by world Health organization (WHO). The proximity between the ophthalmologist and the patient required during ophthalmological examination may put ophthalmologists at increased risk for infection. Consequently, ophthalmologists need to have correct prevention strategies in place to avoid the infection.
Methods: An internet based questionnaire was administered to ophthalmologists of Upper Egypt, Egypt. A total of 207 participants were included in the study. Full ethical considerations were followed.
Results: 71% of the participants follow the infection control measures with 94.2% uses face mask and 80% uses alcohol in ophthalmology practice, other use many other methods or combination. About 60% of the participants are planning to stop practice in the pandemic, about40% do emergent surgical interventions only.
Conclusion: In order to minimize transmission of COVID-19, ophthalmologists should work according to infection control measures that are appropriate for their own clinical settings.