COVID-19

In light of an unprecedented year filled with technological advancements and pivots, Joshua Mali, MD, offers his top 5 predictions in ophthalmology for 2021.

Frontline healthcare workers are among the first to receive the vaccine, and ophthalmologists and clinic staff could soon start receiving doses.

In an open letter released Wednesday, the American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association and the American Nurses Association are urging healthcare workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pandemic is driving — and accelerating — changes in how ophthalmic care is delivered to patients.

Patients should be urged to follow manufacturer recommendations when using a UV-emitting germicidal lamp, avoiding direct exposure to the ocular surface. They should leave the room when the lamps are in use.

During AAO 2020, Cathy G. Cohen, MHSA, CAE, AAO vice president for governmental affairs, offered some optimism for the future of health care under the Biden administration.

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 diagnostic test for self-testing at home and that provides rapid results.

Science is being tapped by professional sports league to train and develop officials.

When it comes to using a breath shield as protection against the spread of the coronavirus, bigger may be better, according to investigators.

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE this week announced their mRNA-based coronavirus vaccine candidate has demonstrated evidence of efficacy against COVID-19 in participants without evidence of infection.

Congress paused Medicare sequester cuts to offer relief amid the pandemic. Now, the leaders of the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Health Care Association, and National Association for Home Care & Hospice are urging congressional leadership to keep the pause in place.

Masks that become damp should be replaced, but health officials say that not enough people know this.

Investigators have found that the diameter of retinal veins may be linked directly to the severity of COVID-19. Assessing the retinal veins may be a part of diagnosing and managing the disease.

Hand washing is one of the key components in starving the COVID-19 virus. A team of investigators studied the importance of washing hands to slow the spread of the virus.

Ophthalmologists remain in touch with colleagues while maintaining social distancing

John Bladen, MBBS, BSc, MRCS, PGCert, PhD, FRCOphth, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, speaks on the institution's response and workflow adjustments made amid the coronavirus pandemic, how virtual appointments have helped in working through a backlog of patients, and whether cancer may be the next big crisis in the UK due to missed diagnoses during the lockdown.

Canadian researchers have found that wearing a mask can have a significant impact on the spread of COVID-19.

John J. Grande, CFP, and John S. Grande, CFP, of Grande Financial Services, continue their discussion on how having a solid financial plan in place can ease anxiety amid the pandemic, their advice to ophthalmologists contemplating retirement, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the economy ahead of the 2020 election, ongoing virus, and the unknown of what's in store for 2021.

Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, explains why she believes if ophthalmologists consistently evaluate the ocular surface, tear film and lid margins—and treat any problems that we find—surgical outcomes will improve.

Primary care has yet to regain the strength it had before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study released recently by the Larry A. Green Center, a research organization, in collaboration with the Primary Care Collaborative.

John J. Grande, CFP, and John S. Grande, CFP, of Grande Financial Services, speak on how ophthalmologists should be working on or revisiting their financial plans six months into the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and ahead of a possible second wave, as well as the potential financial repercussions the economy may face.

The American Medical Association is expressing its support for provisions in proposed Continuing Resolution legislation in Congress that could offer relief to financially strapped physician practices.

Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) Ambassadors webinar provides platform for idea-sharing by ophthalmologists

Investigators from Tel Aviv, Israel, cautioned this week that patients who wear face masks during the administration of intravitreal injections could be at a higher risk for the development of endophthalmitis.

In an effort to help ophthalmologists bring patients back to the office, a global ophthalmic medical device manufacturer has unveiled a line of patient personal protection equipment packs.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 and should trigger tests for the virus, according to investigators. This research comes after investigators earlier this month released results of a study of COVID-19 ocular manifestations in children in China.

One ophthalmic practice's staff has found that, despite the challenges faced healthcare professionals are facing amid the coronavirus pandemic, a few proverbial “silver lining” practice adaptations will endure long after the crisis is over.

Physicians struggling under the strains of the pandemic often think they cannot seek professional counseling, as burnout is at an all-time high and more than 50% of ophthalmologists saw their incomes drop by more than 50%.

Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may not last long in individuals who had mild infections, and the loss of antibodies may actually be quicker than reported previously for the virus, according to investigators from the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles.