Update – June 9, 2020

The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to widespread implementation of physical distancing measures and cessation of non-urgent medical visits and procedures. Many provinces and health authorities are now implementing relaxation of these measures. This document is to provide guidance to physicians caring for glaucoma patients to help mitigate the risk to patients and care providers while balancing the need for treatment to preserve vision. It is appropriate to resume seeing non-urgent and routine cases in areas where health authorities have relaxed isolation policies. As this is a rapidly evolving healthcare crisis, these recommendations may be modified, and we urge all clinicians to use their own best judgement to individually manage patient care with best practices in mind. These recommendations are based upon and supplemental to the March 20, 2020 COS and ACUPO Guidelines for Ophthalmic Care during COVID-19 Pandemic, the April 16 2020 CGS Recommendations for Providing Eye Care to Glaucoma Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the May 12 2020 COS Ophthalmic Clinic Reopening During COVID-19 Checklist, guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the United Kingdom National Health Society guidelines.

Read the Full Canadian Glaucoma Society Recommendations for Providing Eye Care to Glaucoma Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic.

4 June, 2020

Preamble

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic all elective surgeries in Canada were stopped. This has resulted in a large backlog of deferred cataract surgeries. As elective surgery slowly resumes, procedures and policies need to be changed to minimize the risk of COVID which will reduce efficiencies. To address the issues of COVID-19 risk and reduced efficiencies while trying to manage the significant backlog of cataract surgeries, immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) may be a consideration. Evidence suggests similar visual outcomes and complications for ISBCS and delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS). The COS has developed this guidance document summarizing the pros, cons and logistical considerations of ISBCS. This document should not be considered a replacement of individual due diligence in reviewing the literature in this area and the importance of following best practice and the needs of the individual patient.

Read the full ISBCS guidance document from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society

May 29, 2020

As we transition into a new normal with the COVID-19 crisis, the Canadian neuro-ophthalmology community has put together recommendations to help unite the process of returning back to work amidst this unprecedented time. We hope to return to the normal baseline sooner than later, but for now, we are happy to share these recommendations with you.

Read the full Recommendations from the Canadian Neuro-Ophthalmology Society regarding Neuro-Ophthalmology Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ophthalmic Surgery Prioritization

Updated, May 28, 2020

Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are facing a large backlog of “elective” surgical procedures due to cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuation of ophthalmic surgical care is vital to prevent vision loss and consequent disability in the Canadian population. The impact of visual impairment (VI) on productivity, mental health , fall risk, childhood development, and quality of life metrics has been well established. The effect of VI is not limited to individuals and often has a wider impact on the patient’s family and society as a whole.

Objectives

1. To provide a framework for prioritization of individual ophthalmic surgeon cases that can be applicable across Canada and across ophthalmology subspecialties during COVID.
2. To advocate for ophthalmic surgery within hospital setting
3. To have the ability to audit/compare across ophthalmic surgeons for quality

Read the full COS document – Ophthalmic Surgery Prioritization

May 15, 2020

The COS has developed this checklist on reopening ophthalmology clinics during COVID-19. This document has been reviewed and endorsed by our affiliate subspecialty societies, provincial societies and ACUPO.

Read the full checklist on reopening ophthalmology clinics during COVID-19

Détails du webinaire

Date: Lundi, 11 mai 2020
Heure : 12 h HAE

S’inscrire au webinaire Vous devez au préalable vous inscrire ici.

Conférencière Dre Diane Francoeur Présidente, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec

Modérateur

• Dr Sam Daniel Directeur, Direction du développement professionnel continu
• Jacques Tétrault, Directeur Affaires publiques et Communications, FMSQ

Objectifs d’apprentissage

À la fin de cette conférence, les participants seront en mesure :

• Décrire la situation actuelle concernant la pandémie de COVID-19;
• Discuter des plus récentes recommandations concernant la prise en charge du COVID-19;
• Ajuster sa pratique afin de répondre à ses responsabilités personnelles et professionnelles.

May 5, 2020

Guidance During COVID-19: Disinfection Recommendations from the Manufacturers – Haag-Streit and Zeiss

Access Details

• COVID-19 guidance: Cleaning your HFA Perimeter
• Considerations on How to Clean Perimeters to Lower the Risk of COVID 19 Transmissions
• Cleaning Guidance for the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA)

April 30, 2020

The CRS Executive has reviewed and supports the recommendations of the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) for conducting vitreoretinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CRS endorses these ASRS recommendations for application within the Canadian context.

Read the full ASRS recommendations for conducting vitreoretinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

April 28, 2020

Guidelines on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during COVID-19 Pandemic for Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery

Background

The Canadian Society of Oculoplastic Surgery has evaluated the current literature assessing the risk to ophthalmologists who perform oculoplastics procedures during and after the current pandemic.   Using the best evidence available, guidelines on the minimum personal protective equipment that surgeons should employ were developed. The attached statement has been endorsed by the COS Board of Directors. These comments and recommendations are based on the “conditions on the ground” that exist today at the time of this writing.

Access Details

Read the full position statement from the Canadian Society of Oculoplastic Surgery