Ophthalmology is facing significant capacity challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and ophthalmologists need to plan restoration of cataract surgery whilst dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 transmission prevention.
This has led to some surgeons and units to reconsider the role of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) and whether this can help to reduce risks associated with multiple visits during the pandemic and to optimise and streamline services. For others, this procedure remains controversial and there is concern about putting patients at an unacceptable level of risk. There is also debate about when and how this should be offered to patients in light of the 2017 NICE guidance on adult cataract and more recent advice on consent and any requirement to inform patients about all available options.
The RCOphth is developing a draft rapid advice guidance document on this ISBCS jointly with UKISCRS. The RCOphth is running a free 90 minute webinar to discuss the role of ISBCS during the pandemic recovery and the longer term provision of cataract surgery. Attendees will hear from those who have experience of delivering this care, and those who will discuss the potential risks and downsides.
The webinar on 22 June 2020 at 1800hrs London time, is chaired by Philip Bloom, President of UKISCRS. Speakers will include Rudy Nuijts, President ESCRS, David Spalton, International Board, Optical Express & Evelyn Mensah, Clinical Lead for Outpatient Transformation London. It will be a chance for attendees to feed into the developing guidance document before publication.
Register here.