Abstract
Purpose: To review the ophthalmologist-perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eye care and its determinants in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A web-based survey of ophthalmologists working in Saudi Arabia was conducted in September 2020 using the Google platform. The ophthalmologists' demography, perceptions about the risk for COVID-19 contraction, and practice patterns during lockdown were collected. Both consultation- and surgery-related details were analyzed and associated with the demography. Results: Of the 106 surveyed ophthalmologists, 72 (67.9%) were male, 68 (64.2%) were consultants, and 54 (50.9%) were from the western region. During the pandemic and lockdown, 92 [86.8% (95% CI 79.9; 93.7)] were offering consultancy services, while 82 (77.3%) were attending ophthalmic surgeries. The risk of contracting COVID-19 while practicing ophthalmology was perceived as high, equal, and low compared to other health workers by 34 [32.1% (95% CI 16.4; 47.8)], 65 [61.3% (95% CI 49.5; 73.2)] and 5 (4.7%) participants, respectively. Although 54 (52.8%) ophthalmologists were unsure about resuming surgical work, 42 (42.5%) recommended the resumption of elective surgeries immediately but with the utmost preventive measures in place. The regional variation in risk perception for contracting COVID-19 was significant (chi 2 = 15, Df = 6, P = 0.02). The risk among those who were not practicing was less than that of those who were both operating and consulting (chi 2 = 97, Df = 4, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The pandemic seems to have negatively impacted both clinical and surgical eye services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ophthalmologists perceived that the starting of eye surgeries should be gradual and with care to reduce the risk of COVID-19.