The Role of Telemedicine in Glaucoma Care Triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE: To explore and report on how glaucoma care was impacted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) in New York City (NYC) with a specific emphasis on the role of telemedicine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study that engaged glaucoma clinicians in semi-structured interviews to elicit perspectives on telemedicine and patient care experiences during the pandemic. Interview responses were coded and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Twenty clinicians participated. Mean participant age was 48.8 ± 12.3 years, and the mean number of years in practice post-glaucoma fellowship was 17.5 ± 12.4 years. Four main themes pertinent to the role of telemedicine triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) The Need to Ensure Patient and Staff Safety Drove Telemedicine Uptake; (2) Telemedicine Allowed Providers to Address Subjective Complaints; (3) Telemedicine was Discontinued Due To Concerns of Compromised Patient Safety and Measurement Inaccuracy; (4) Technological Advances are Needed for Continued Telemedicine Usage and Uptake in Glaucoma Care. The interviews suggested that telemedicine usage dropped markedly within just a few months during the pandemic, and for most physicians interviewed, telemedicine is no longer part of their clinical practice. Several clinicians reported optimism towards future implementation of telemedicine as the technology develops. CONCLUSION: This study identified 4 themes outlining the uptake, application, discontinuation and overall perspectives on telemedicine by glaucoma clinicians. The role of telemedicine, as triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, may have lasting implications for patient safety, continuity of care, and glaucoma care delivery beyond this public health crisis.