What can Ophthalmologists do to stop COVID-19?
Even though our profession might seem like we aren’t at direct exposure to droplet infections, Dr Li Wenliang was a Chinese Ophthalmologist who died at 34 after contracting the infection from a patient he was treating for angle closure glaucoma.
Our patients are just a few inches away from us when we examine them.
🔹 Practice religious hand washing with soap and water after every 3 patients and a use of hand sanitiser(At least 60% alcohol content) between every patient.
🔹 Since we don’t have the option of working from home, our best option is to come home directly after work and stay home.
🔹We have postponed all elective surgeries till 31st March, and may be indefinitely till the situation comes under control.
🔹 Use surgical masks only in situations which warrant the use of masks.
This virus is not airborne.
A situation will arise in the near future when we need access to personal protective equipment and there won’t be any left.
🔹Use of non-contact tonometry for intraocular pressure assessment.
🔹Slit lamp plastic shields to prevent droplet spread when examining.
🔹 Help spread the word about the importance of social distancing. Tirelessly and relentless, irrespective of how many deaf ears it falls upon.
🔹 Educate patients about the Ophthalmic emergencies and when to come for a check up.
🔹Work with the Government to set up an action plan in case of community spread which already seems to be the case in India after a woman in Pune tested positive for COVID who did not have any travel or contact history.
🔹 Educate yourself about COVID because if the need arises, even we Ophthalmologists have to volunteer for non-ophthalmic clinical responsibilities because first and foremost, all Ophthalmologists are physicians.
🔹Self quarantine religiously today. Stay indoors, stay safe and keep others safe too. One day of quarantine will curb the spread but not eliminate the virus.
We have a long quarantine period ahead of us, which will only be effective if everyone unites and works together.
We’ll do our part at the hospital, you do your part at home!
An Eye on Life - The adventures of an Ophthalmologist 