Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology procedures are likely to shift from hospitals to ASCs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ophthalmology Times reports.

Seattle-based Northwest Eye Surgeons, a physician-owned ophthalmology practice, wants to relocate one of its four ASCs due to "rising facility costs," according to documents filed by the Washington State Department of Health.

With the help of telemedicine, Houston-based Berkeley Eye Center was able to retain its entire workforce of 450 employees during practice shutdowns forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New research appears to contradict earlier findings that COVID-19 cannot be spread through a patient's eyes, Forbes reports.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society created guidance for reopening ophthalmic ASCs.

Spokane, Wash.-based ophthalmologist Talmage Broadbent, MD, and his private practice partners have decided not to take pay due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DeseretNews.

Bloomington, Ill.-based VisionPoint Eye Center and Ottawa, Ill.-based Gailey Eye Clinic took several precautions to ensure they reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic begins to subside, WGLT reports.

The CDC recently issued guidance for ophthalmology patients concerning contact lenses. 

With elective procedures restricted in more than 30 states, the American Academy of Ophthalmology compiled a master list of which procedures can be considered "urgent" or "emergent."

The American Academy of Ophthalmology created a guide with answers to commonly asked questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.