Response of L V Prasad Eye Institute to COVID-19 outbreak in India: experience at its tertiary eye care centre and adoption to its Eye Health Pyramid.

Abstract

To summarize the experience of response to COVID-19 outbreak at a tertiary eye care institute and its network of health facilities in India. Our responses are based on the principles of social distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, surface disinfection protocol, and rational use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). We describe our response in terms of administrative controls, clinical protocols, staff protection, environmental controls, and social distancing measures. We also discuss our communication strategies and monitoring systems, to ensure compliance to protocols. Administrative control is mainly related to formation of task force and its functions. Clinical protocols are related to patient triaging methods and clinical examination guidelines in Outpatient, Inpatient and Operating Room. Staff protection is focused on training staff on the protocols to be followed in hospital as well as at home, and use of PPE. Environmental protocol is focused on cleaning and disinfectant methods to be used in the hospital. In addition, there are systems for communication as well as monitoring compliance to protocols. We hope that these protocols and our experience would help the ophthalmic community globally and serve as a guide to protect ophthalmologists and ophthalmic care personnel, and their patients across the world.