Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Purpose of Review: The current article reviews enhancements to the delivery of glaucoma care that developed in response to the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and are likely to persist beyond its resolution.
Recent Findings: Literature from the review period (2020–2021) includes reports highlighting contributions of the ophthalmology community to global health during the pandemic. Glaucoma practices worldwide have instituted more robust infection control measures to mitigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission in the outpatient setting, and many of these modifications will endure in the post-COVID era. Operational adjustments have led to the provision of more efficient glaucoma care. A hybrid care model involving technician-based diagnostic testing and subsequent virtual consultation with a glaucoma specialist has evolved as a useful adjunct to traditional face-to-face encounters with patients.
Summary: Glaucoma specialists, patients, and staff have adapted to a 'new normal' of glaucoma care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although innovation has propelled several improvements to glaucoma care during this global health crisis, significant barriers to more widespread implementation of teleglaucoma still exist. Whether, and in what capacity, the pandemic has permanently altered glaucoma practice patterns remains to be seen.
Introduction
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in 198 227 874 infections and 4223 255 deaths worldwide and 34 997 105 infections and 613 223 deaths in the United States as of 1 August 2021.
