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Waisberg E, Ong J, Zaman N, Kamran SA, Tavakkoli A, Lee AG. Impact of COVID-19 on Neuro-Ophthalmology in the United States: A National Survey. Can J Neurol Sci 2024; 51:233-237. [PMID: 36971367 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2023.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 on neuro-ophthalmology practice in the United States. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS The North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society distributed a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on neuro-ophthalmic practice to its members. The survey consisted of 15 questions regarding the impact of the pandemic on neuro-ophthalmic practice and perspectives. RESULTS Twenty-eight neuro-ophthalmologists practicing in the United States responded to our survey. In this survey, 64% of survey respondents were male (n = 18), while 36% were female (n = 10). The average age of a respondent was 55 years old. According to 77% of survey respondents, various neuro-ophthalmic diseases were reported to have worsened during the pandemic including idiopathic intracranial hypertension, compressive optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, and giant cell arteritis. CONCLUSIONS This survey represents one of the largest studies to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic of neuro-ophthalmology. Given the underrepresentation of neuro-ophthalmology in the United States as described in the literature, this study strengthens the need for more neuro-ophthalmologists to provide timely care, particularly during the pandemic. Further interventions to incentivize the pursuit of neuro-ophthalmology training may help combat the effects of COVID-19 on neuro-ophthalmic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Waisberg
- University College, Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Sharif Amit Kamran
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Texas, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Shen AA, Gutierrez KG, Villegas NC, Moss HE. Evolution of Disparities in Outpatient Ophthalmic Care at a Tertiary Care Center in California at the Beginning of and One Year into the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024; 31:21-30. [PMID: 36803530 PMCID: PMC10439972 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2180807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare disparities in outpatient ophthalmic care during early and later periods of the COVID-19 public health emergency. METHODS This cross-sectional study compared non-peri-operative outpatient ophthalmology visits by unique patients at an adult ophthalmology practice affiliated with a tertiary-care academic medical center in the Western US during three time periods: pre-COVID (3/15/19-4/15/19), early-COVID (3/15/20-4/15/20), and late-COVID (3/15/21-4/15/21). Differences in participant demographics, barriers to care, visit modality (telehealth, in person), and subspeciality of care were studied using unadjusted and adjusted models. RESULTS There were 3095, 1172 and 3338 unique patient-visits during pre-COVID, early-COVID and late-COVID (overall age 59.5 ± 20.5 years, 57% female, 41.8% White, 25.9% Asian, 16.1% Hispanic). There were disparities in patient age (55.4 ± 21.8 vs. 60.2 ± 19.9 years), race (21.9% vs. 26.9% Asian), ethnicity (18.3% Hispanic vs. 15.2% Hispanic), and insurance (35.9% vs. 45.1% Medicare) as well as changes in modality (14.2% vs. 0% telehealth) and subspecialty (61.6% vs. 70.1% internal exam specialty) in early-COVID vs. pre-COVID (p < .05 for all). In late-COVID, only insurance (42.7% vs. 45.1% Medicare) and modality of care (1.8% vs. 0% telehealth) persisted as differences compared to pre-COVID. CONCLUSIONS There were disparities in patients receiving outpatient ophthalmology care during early-COVID that returned close to pre-COVID baseline one year later. These results suggest that there has not been a lasting positive or negative disruptive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on disparities in outpatient ophthalmic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Shen
- University of California San Diego
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University
| | | | | | - Heather E. Moss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University
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Zhao D, Li X, Carey AR, Henderson AD. Optic Neuritis and Cranial Neuropathies Diagnosis Rates before Coronavirus Disease 2019, in the Initial Pandemic Phase, and Post-Vaccine Introduction. Ophthalmology 2024; 131:78-86. [PMID: 37634758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare rates of diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmic conditions across the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with pre-pandemic levels. DESIGN Multicenter, retrospective, observational study. PARTICIPANTS Patients seen for eye care between March 11, 2019, and December 31, 2021. METHODS A multicenter electronic health record database, Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative (SOURCE), was queried for new diagnoses of neuro-ophthalmic conditions (cranial nerve [CN] III, IV, VI, and VII palsy; diplopia; and optic neuritis) and new diagnoses of other ophthalmic conditions from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. Data were divided into 3 periods (pre-COVID, pre-COVID vaccine, and after introduction of COVID vaccine), with a 3-year look-back period. Logistic regressions were used to compare diagnosis rates across periods. Two-sample z-test was used to compare the log odds ratio (OR) of the diagnosis in each period with emergent ocular conditions: retinal detachment (RD) and acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnosis rate of neuro-ophthalmic conditions in each study period. RESULTS A total of 323 261 unique patients (median age 59 years [interquartile range, 43-70], 58% female, 68% White) across 5 academic centers were included, with 180 009 patients seen in the pre-COVID period, 149 835 patients seen in the pre-COVID vaccine period, and 164 778 patients seen in the COVID vaccine period. Diagnosis rates of CN VII palsy, diplopia, glaucoma, and cataract decreased from the pre-COVID period to the pre-vaccine period. However, the optic neuritis diagnoses increased, in contrast to a decrease in RD diagnoses (P = 0.021). By comparing the diagnosis rates before and after widespread vaccination, all eye conditions evaluated were diagnosed at higher rates in the COVID vaccination period compared with pre-COVID and pre-vaccine periods. The log OR of neuro-ophthalmic diagnosis rates across every period comparison were largely similar to emergency conditions (RD and AACG, P > 0.05). However, the log OR of cataract and glaucoma diagnoses were different to RD or AACG (P < 0.05) in each period comparison. CONCLUSIONS Neuro-ophthalmic diagnoses had a similar reduction in diagnosis rates as emergent eye conditions in the first part of the pandemic, except optic neuritis. After widespread COVID-19 vaccination, all ophthalmic diagnosis rates increased compared with pre-pandemic rates, and the increase in neuro-ophthalmic diagnosis rates did not exceed the increase in RD and AACG diagnosis rates. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zhao
- Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Ximin Li
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Tele-Neuro-Ophthalmology Utilization, Availability, and Attitudes: Update 1 Year Into the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:40-47. [PMID: 36166781 PMCID: PMC9924738 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth was rapidly adopted early in the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to provide medical care while reducing risk of SARS-CoV2 transmission. Since then, telehealth utilization has evolved differentially according to subspecialty. This study assessed changes in neuro-ophthalmology during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Telehealth utilization and opinions pre-COVID-19, early pandemic (spring 2020), and 1 year later (spring 2021) were surveyed among practicing neuro-ophthalmologists in and outside the United States using an online platform. Demographics, self-reported utilization, perceived benefits, barriers, and examination suitability were collected over a 2-week period in May 2021. RESULTS A total of 135 practicing neuro-ophthalmologists (81.5% United States, 47.4% females, median age 45-54 years) completed the survey. The proportion of participants using video visits remained elevated during COVID + 1 year (50.8%) compared with pre-COVID (6%, P < 0.0005, McNemar), although decreased compared with early COVID (67%, P < 0.0005). Video visits were the most commonly used methodology. The proportion of participants using remote testing (42.2% vs 46.2%), virtual second opinions (14.5% vs 11.9%, P = 0.45), and eConsults (13.5% vs 16.2%, P = 0.38) remained similar between early and COVID + 1 year ( P = 0.25). The majority selected increased access to care, better continuity of care, and enhanced patient appointment efficiency as benefits, whereas reimbursement, liability, disruption of in-person clinic flow, limitations of video examinations, and patient technology use were barriers. Many participants deemed many neuro-ophthalmic examination elements unsuitable when collected during a live video session, although participants believed some examination components could be evaluated adequately through a review of ancillary testing or outside records. CONCLUSIONS One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, neuro-ophthalmologists maintained telemedicine utilization at rates higher than prepandemic levels. Tele-neuro-ophthalmology remains a valuable tool in augmenting patient care.
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Xu TT, Kung FF, Lai KE, Ko MW, Brodsky MC, Bhatti MT, Chen JJ. Interprofessional Electronic Consultations for the Diagnosis and Management of Neuro-Ophthalmic Conditions. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:34-39. [PMID: 36166791 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interprofessional electronic consultation (eConsult) is a telemedicine modality in which consulting providers review outside records and provide recommendations without in-person consultation. The purpose of this study was to describe the utilization of eConsults in the management of neuro-ophthalmic conditions. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of all patients who received an eConsult for a neuro-ophthalmic condition at a single quaternary referral center from 2018 to 2020. Main outcome measures included proportion of eConsults in which sufficient data were provided to the neuro-ophthalmologist to generate a definitive management decision, proportion of patients for whom an in-person neuro-ophthalmology evaluation was recommended, and the eConsult's impact on patient care. RESULTS Eighty eConsults were conducted on 78 patients during the 3-year study period. Forty-eight (60.0%) subjects were female, mean age was 54 years, and 65 (81.3%) were White. The median time from eConsult request to completion was 4 days (range: 0-34 days). The most frequent eConsult questions were vision/visual field disturbances in 28 (35.0%) cases, optic neuropathies in 22 (27.5%), and optic disc edema in 17 (21.3%). At the time of eConsult, sufficient prior information was provided in 35 (43.8%) cases for the neuro-ophthalmologist to provide a definitive management decision. In 45 (56.3%) eConsults, further diagnostic testing was recommended. In-person neuro-ophthalmology consultation was recommended in 24 (30.0%) cases. Sixty-one (76.3%) eConsults provided diagnostic and/or treatment direction, and 12 (15.0%) provided reassurance. CONCLUSION eConsults increase access to timely neuro-ophthalmic care and provide diagnostic and treatment direction to non-neuro-ophthalmology providers when sufficient information is provided at the time of eConsult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology (TTX, FFK, MCB, MTB, JJC), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Neurology (MCB, MTB, JJC), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Circle City Neuro-Ophthalmology (KEL), Carmel, Indiana; Neuro-Ophthalmology Section (KEL), Midwest Eye Institute, Carmel, Indiana; Ophthalmology Service (KEL), Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Ophthalmology (KEL, MWK), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (MWK), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Neuro-ophthalmologists rapidly adopted telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize disruption to patient care. This article reviews recent research on tele-neuro-ophthalmology adoption, current limitations, and potential use beyond the pandemic. The review considers how digital transformation, including machine learning and augmented reality, may be applied to future iterations of tele-neuro-ophthalmology. RECENT FINDINGS Telehealth utilization has been sustained among neuro-ophthalmologists throughout the pandemic. Adoption of tele-neuro-ophthalmology may provide solutions to subspecialty workforce shortage, patient access, physician wellness, and trainee educational needs within the field of neuro-ophthalmology. Digital transformation technologies have the potential to augment tele-neuro-ophthalmology care delivery by providing automated workflow solutions, home-based visual testing and therapies, and trainee education via simulators. Tele-neuro-ophthalmology use has and will continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital transformation technologies, when applied to telehealth, will drive and revolutionize the next phase of tele-neuro-ophthalmology adoption and use in the years to come.
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Muro-Fuentes EA, Stunkel L. Diagnostic Error in Neuro-ophthalmology: Avenues to Improve. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:243-256. [PMID: 35320466 PMCID: PMC8940596 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To highlight potential avenues to reduce preventable diagnostic error of neuro-ophthalmic conditions and avoid patient harm. Recent Findings Recent prospective studies and studies of patient harm have advanced our understanding. Additionally, recent studies of fundus photography, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence highlight potential avenues for diagnostic improvement. Summary Diagnostic error of neuro-ophthalmic conditions can often be traced to failure to gather an adequate history, perform a complete physical exam, obtain adequate/appropriate neuroimaging, and generate a complete, appropriate differential diagnosis. Improving triage and identification of neuro-ophthalmic conditions by other providers and increasing access to subspecialty neuro-ophthalmology evaluation are essential avenues to reduce diagnostic error. Further research should evaluate the relationship between misdiagnosis and patient harm, and help identify the most impactful potential targets for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leanne Stunkel
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8096, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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