Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Cataract Surgeries in the Community and Referral Hospitals in Bali

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of cataract surgeries in the community and referral hospitals. Study Design: Cross-sectional mixed-methods research. Duration and Settings of the Study: Three months, Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Methods: The data for this study was obtained from a secondary source of cataract surgery data in Bali during the pandemic era. Data was also collected using a qualitative method through interviews with health practitioners and policymakers. Apart from that, a literature search was also carried out. The analysis of quantitative data was done using SPSS version 20. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the interview responses obtained from participants. Results: The cataract surgical rate (CSR) was significantly lower in 2020 (CSR = 586) during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to 2015 (CSR = 1,624) (p = 0.00). Better screening systems, patient selection, lowering exposure time, and isolation were strategies for preoperative cataract patients. The use of povidone-iodine eye drops, smaller phaco tip sizes, and restricted surgery personnel were used for intraoperative strategies. Selective postoperative patients and telemedicine were also used to minimize exposure to COVID-19. In this period, priority was given to the safety of healthcare providers as well as patients. Conclusion(s): There is no denying that a greater backlog of cataract surgeries has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, good cooperation between patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers was observed to face this challenge.