ICO annual conference May 15-17Drive Through Glaucoma Intra-Ocular Pressure Clinic at Citywest
A temporary drive through Glaucoma clinic to provide continued assessment and monitoring of patient intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is in operation at the City West Conference Centre Hotel, currently occupied by the HSE.
The Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG) Integrated Eye Directorate (CAD) launched the innovative model developed by the Belfast Trust (Northern Ireland) to provide continued assessment and monitoring of patient intra-ocular pressures via the drive through facility at Citywest.
Glaucoma patients of the Mater Hospital and Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital will be invited for testing based on clinical need, with the aim of prioritising care and maximising the limited capacity currently available in out patient departments at the hospitals.
Patients remain in their cars and staff, wearing PPE, undertake the eye pressure test using a handheld device. Patient results are reviewed by glaucoma specialists in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and follow up care arranged.
Glaucoma is one of the world's leading causes of blindness and involves loss of vision due to damage of the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a chronic condition requiring lifelong care for patients diagnosed with the condition and for the majority of patients who have suspect glaucoma i.e. those at risk of developing it.
If not diagnosed, monitored and treated correctly, glaucoma can result in severe loss of vision or blindness. While there are usually no warning signs, regular eye tests will help detect the onset of the disease.
The service delivery restrictions posed by COVID-19 compound an already challenging situation for ophthalmology services and their patients. It is hoped 2000 patients will be seen at the temporary drive through clinic between now and October when the Government contract for Citywest is due to end.
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists welcome the prompt development and implementation of this innovative model of care to safely monitor intraocular pressure (IOP) while protecting staff and patients.
24th August 2020