Abstract
Purpose :
We aim to better understand the practices of ophthalmologists during the COVID-19 pandemic period in France, and particularly in the management of patients with exudative AMD
Methods :
During the months of June and July 2020, French ophthalmologists were invited to answer an online questionnaire evaluating the adaptation of their practice during the pandemic period (March to May 2020) and more particularly the management of exudative AMD . The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions.
Results :
107 ophthalmologists responded to the online questionnaire. Ophthalmologists treated an average of 146 participants with exudative AMD per month (median: 80). 89.5% of participants maintained their activity during this period. 90.2% selected the patients to be called, on the basis of their medical reports. 9.8% saw only emergencies. All ophthalmologists adapted their practices and 43.5% systematically took patients' temperatures. 91.8% spaced the intervals between appointments to 15 minutes or more. 49% did not check visual acuity. 41.8% only controlled OCT when absolutely necessary. 80% of ophthalmologists adapted the therapeutic regimens to fixed or Treat-and-Extend regimens based on the last treatment interval. For 25%, pharmacological and / or pharmacokinetic properties were important for the choice of the molecule used. 82.5% of practitioners observed a significant worsening of exudative AMD due to a lack of follow-up during the confinement period
Conclusions :
This survey allowed us to better understand the practices of ophthalmologists for patients with exudative AMD during the beginning of the pandemic period of Covid-19 in France. Health conditions have prompted all ophthalmologists to quickly change their reception and care practices
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.