| Presentation preference | Oral presentation |
| Title | Changes in practice pattern of uveitis during COVID-19 pandemic |
| Purpose | to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on practice of uveitis specialists worldwide |
| Methods | In a multicenter, cross-sectional survey of uveitis specialists practicing worldwide. A web-based survey was sent through the mailing lists of international uveitis societies to assess modifications in practice patterns, use of immunomodulatory therapy (IMTs), and recommendations regarding COVID- 19 vaccination. |
| Results | 187 uveitis specialists from 6 continents participated in this survey. Most experts noted a disruption in clinical management of uveitis patients, with 93.5% experiencing clinic closures or decrease in volume and 47.5% facing difficulties obtaining screening or follow-up laboratory testing. Most participants initiated (66.8%) and continued (93.3%) IMTs based on clinical presentation and did not alter use of immunosuppressives. In cases of reported exposure to COVID-19 infection, most respondents (65.3%) recommended no change in IMTs. However, 73.0% recommended holding all or select IMTs in cases of COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccine was recommended in uveitis patients by 90% of specialists. However, 52% stated that they would counsel patients regarding the unknown immunogenicity and effectiveness of the vaccine in immunocompromised patients. |
| Conclusion | Uveitis practice have changed since the beginning of the pandemic. The recommendations will continue to evolve as new data on IMTs and the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. |
| Conflict of interest | No |
| Last name | EMAMI |
| Initials of first name(s) | P |
| Department | Ophthalmology |
| City | Sacramento, CA |
| Country | United States |
| Last name | Vu |
| Initials of first name(s) | A |
| Department | Ophthalmology |
| City | Sacramento |
| Country | United States |
| Last name | Kodati |
| Initials of first name(s) | S |
| Department | National Eye Institute |
| City | Bethesda, MD |
| Country | United States |
| Last name | Lin |
| Initials of first name(s) | P |
| Department | Ophthalmology |
| City | Portland |
| Country | United States |
| Last name | Bodaghi |
| Initials of first name(s) | B |
| Department | Ophthalmology |
| City | Paris |
| Country | France |