Impact of COVID-19 on Ophthalmic Pathology

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a significant concern to the public and a major challenge to healthcare workers. Although vaccination programs are generally regarded as successful, recent reports have shown that vaccine effectiveness is decreasing gradually, particularly as booster uptakes are low. The next pandemic is unpredictable and inevitable. Therefore, understanding the impact of COVID-19 on different aspects of healthcare will aid in adaptation to life with pandemics and enable prioritization of medical treatment. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak significantly changed all sectors of healthcare. Ocular oncology and pathology practices were adapted to adjust to the many new challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presented. This review highlights laboratory modifications and shows how the number, type, and histology of eye oncology cases were impacted during the pandemic.