Shehnilla Shujaat, Khalid Iqbal Talpur.
Protecting Healthcare Workers from COVID-19 Hazards.
Al-Shifa J Ophthalmol Jan ;17(1):30-5.

Objective: To ensure, the quality and proper management of ophthalmic patients & protection of health care providers amidst hard time of COVID-19. Study design: Study design is observational study. Place and duration of study: The place of our study was Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and duration of this study was nine months from 1st April 2020 to 31st December 2020. Methods: Ophthalmic patients and ophthalmologists were at higher risk of being infected by the novel corona virus because of close proximity during examination and procedures, so special strategies were adopted to protect them. Hospital as the hub of ophthalmic procedures was at the top target for this disease. The patients were ensured to be provided special care of hand wash / sanitizer & face mask for protection against covid-19. All the SOPs were strictly followed by health care providers, that included use of protective equipment like face masks, hand gloves, hand sanitizers. Also, special campaign was carried out, which educated people about complete awareness of symptoms pertaining to coronavirus. Elective procedures were deferred to prevent the spread of virus and emergency patients were attended on urgent basis. Results: Gradual and timely change in strategies helped to ensure continued ophthalmic care in the challenging time of COVID-19 without interruption. Simultaneously the safety of health care providers was also being taken care of. Conclusion: Precautionary steps to protect the health of ophthalmic practitioners may be considered during hard times and crisis like that of pandemic covid-19.

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