Purpose
This study aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 on patients’ view and willingness to seek ophthalmic services in Egypt. The study analyzes if there were changes in their eye care habits and under the conditions they would seek ocular advice.
Patients and methods
It is a cross-sectional observational study using a questionnaire that was sent online and the answers were received online. The questionnaire included 31 questions. All questions were closed-ended questions, provided with a list of optional answers (single-answer options or multiple-answer options).
Results
This study included the responses of 448 participants, who answered the questionnaire fully and included their names and email addresses. Of the participants, 262 were women (58.5%) and 186 (41.5%) were men. The largest age group that answered our questionnaire was between the ages of 20 and 40 years (85.3%). The vast majority of the participants (98%) claimed they would not visit an ophthalmologist during the pandemic and would not undergo any elective surgery.
Conclusion
Age, medical background, educational level, contact with vulnerable groups, and presence of chronic diseases significantly affect the patients’ willingness to seek ophthalmic services. Changes in populations’ information and doctor practice are needed in this pandemic.