The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of everyday life, not least of all for people living with chronic diseases that require monitoring. To safely and efficiently provide tests and service to their patients, healthcare providers have had to get creative.

One innovative solution that’s gaining traction is drive-through intraocular pressure (IOP) checkpoints for glaucoma patients.* People with glaucoma, or who are at risk for glaucoma, need their IOP checked regularly to monitor if their vision is worsening and new treatment is required.

A novel solution for a novel virus

The innovative drive-through initiative was the brainchild of Lena Al-Dujaili, M.D., and Taylor Phelps, M.D., both of Louisiana State University. Al-Dujaili, Phelps, and their colleagues set up a drive-through checkpoint during the first wave of the pandemic, focusing first on patients who had previously scheduled appointments that had to be canceled. 

Minimizing risk

To minimize the risk of virus transmission, patients were scheduled at five-minute intervals and pre-screened by telephone before arrival. Technicians wore full PPE, and patients remained in their cars during the eye pressure testing. 

The test was performed using a Tono pen with a disposable tip, and the technicians changed gloves after each test. All patients had follow-up telehealth appointments with their doctor within several days. 

Over three weeks:

• 42 patients had their IOP measured.
• 6 patients had their treatment regimen changed.
• 4 patients required an in-person follow-up in less than one month.
• 1 patient was scheduled for a surgical procedure.

“The goal of this project was to look at what we could do to follow up on glaucoma patients, who, even during a global pandemic need to be followed,” said Phelps.  

Patient response

News of the experiment’s success is spreading. Dr. Lindsay Rhodes, an assistant professor with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, is thrilled with the new format. 

At UAB’s Callahan Eye Hospital and Clinics, patients can park in a shaded loading zone, stay in their cars, and get screened for COVID-19 symptoms along with having their eye pressure checked. 

“Responses from the patients have been excellent,” Rhodes said, “and I think they feel it is exciting that we are doing something new and creative.”

More information on similar set-ups can be found on the University of Alabama at Birmingham and PracticeUpdate websites. 

*Martin, E. (2020, Dec. 28). Drive-Through Pressure Checks Offer Effective Glaucoma Monitoring During Pandemic. Ocular Surgery News. https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20201223/drivethrough-pressure-checks-offer-effective-glaucoma-monitoring-during-pandemic

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