Clinical Ophthalmology (Mar 2021)
Tele-Ophthalmology Practices and Attitudes in the Philippines in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey
Abstract
Corrina P Azarcon,1 Felice Katrina T Ranche,1,2 Darby E Santiago1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines - Manila, Manila, Philippines; 2College of Medicine, University of the Philippines - Manila, Manila, PhilippinesCorrespondence: Corrina P AzarconDepartment of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines - Manila, Sentro Oftalmologico Jose Rizal Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000, PhilippinesEmail [email protected]: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic has limited patient access to out-patient care, prompting many clinicians to incorporate telemedicine in their practice. This study aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on the use of tele-ophthalmology in the Philippines.Methodology: A 30-item online survey on practices and attitudes related to tele-ophthalmology was sent to ophthalmologists and ophthalmologists-in-training all over the Philippines.Results: A total of 327 local ophthalmologists responded to the anonymous survey. Reported use of tele-ophthalmology increased from 53% to 90% (P < 0.001) at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media messaging was the most employed modality, utilized by 8 out of 10 tele-ophthalmology users. Respondents reported confidence in diagnosing gross conditions of the eye, and lack of confidence in diagnosing posterior pole conditions and orbital fractures. The majority (84%) believe that it can be adopted on a wider scale in the upcoming years.Conclusion: The pandemic catalyzed a nationwide increase in the utilization of tele-ophthalmology. The majority of respondents expressed willingness to continue incorporating tele-ophthalmology in their practice after the pandemic.Keywords: tele-ophthalmology, telemedicine, coronavirus, attitudes, survey
