An Algorithm for Ramp Up of Ophthalmic Elective Surgeries Post-COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Purpose: As ophthalmic elective surgeries resume amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols for testing patients for SARS-CoV-2 is important due to the transmissibility of the virus. Here, we describe the protocol our institution has implemented for screening asymptomatic patients before proceeding to elective ophthalmic surgery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review analyzed the number of elective surgeries, results of SARS-CoV-2 testing, and the effect of a positive result on surgery scheduling.

Results: We display the screening protocol our institution used to test for SARS-CoV-2. Through its implementation, we found 2 asymptomatic patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 resulting in cancellation of their surgeries. 

Conclusion: Because of the possibility of positive COVID-19 status in asymptomatic patients and the risk this poses to patients and staff, we recommend testing all asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to elective surgeries.

KEYWORDS:

• Screening protocol
• Covid-19
• asymptomatic
• elective surgery
• testing

Conflicts of interest

None of the authors have any proprietary interests or conflicts of interest related to this submission. This report has not been published anywhere previously and it is not simultaneously being considered for any other publication.