Changes in Retina Practice Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines

Albert John Bromeo,1 Patricia Grulla-Quilendrino,1 Sweet Jorlene Lerit,1 Myron Carlo Gomez,1 Cheryl A Arcinue,1,2 Ralph Anthony De Jesus,1 Amadeo Veloso Jnr1 1Asian Eye Institute, Makati, Philippines; 2Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines - Manila, Manila, PhilippinesCorrespondence: Albert John BromeoAsian Eye Institute, 9th Floor, PHINMA Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati, PhilippinesTel + 63 02 8898 2020Email albert.bromeo@gmail.comPurpose: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in clinical practice patterns among retina specialists in the Philippines in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Materials and Methods: This was a multi-center cross-sectional study based on a self-reported online survey. An online questionnaire was distributed among practicing retina specialists in the Philippines as listed in the database of the Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. The questionnaire contained questions regarding changes in clinic set-up, laser procedures, intravitreal injections, vitreoretinal surgery, and long-term outlooks.Results: A total of 48 responses were recorded and analyzed with a view rate of 41.7%. There was a decrease in the number of clinic consults, laser procedures, intravitreal injections, and vitreoretinal procedures with most reporting only 1– 25% of their usual patient load. Several modifications in clinic protocols have been made, including use of personal protective equipment, adjustments in clinic hours, and scheduling of only urgent cases. The adjustments implemented during the pandemic are expected by most respondents to be long-term changes.Conclusion: Retina specialists in the Philippines have implemented changes in their practices to combat COVID-19, following guidelines issued by the local and international governing bodies on health.Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, practice patterns, retina, vitreoretinal surger