Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Retinopathy of prematurity is an increasingly important cause of blindness in children in low- and middle-income countries. Timely screening and treatment greatly reduce blindness. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ROP services in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

An online survey with closed and open-ended questions in Microsoft Teams was sent to 304 ophthalmologists providing screening, treatment and/or vitreoretinal services (January 15 to March 12 2021). Categories were used to report impact on services. 28 participants were purposively selected for interview.

Results

184/201 completed forms from 32 countries were received. Two thirds of participants worked in government facilities and 45.6% were paediatri

SUBMITTER: Gilbert CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11269694 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature