ISBCS COVID-19 Considerations by ACUPO and Endorsed by COS

Elective surgery in Canada has drastically decreased, resulting in markedly increased waitlists due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response. The Edmonton guidelines for the Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) initiative have been adapted by the Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO) and now endorsed by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). The Edmonton ISBCS initiative, led by Dr Kassiri, was created and refined based on thorough literature review of current best practice guidelines.  This process involved numerous discussions with multidisciplinary teams of ophthalmologists, nursing and support staff, management, pharmacists, and medical device reprocessing teams. A total of 406 patients underwent ISBCS between July 2020 to December 2020. This initiative at times increased surgical volume by 25% and reduced the number of patient visits by 50%, ultimately reducing potential COVID-19 exposure. To date, there are no reported cases of TASS or endophthalmitis. In times of decreased elective surgeries, ISBCS is a safe and effective option to supplement surgical volume and provide significant patient benefits during the current pandemic.  

For questions please contact Dr Kassiri at kkassiri@ualberta.ca

Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) Covid-19 Considerations