Drive-through Intraocular Pressure Checks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Precis: A drive-through clinic was created to obtain intraocular pressure measurements before a virtual visit with their provider, in order to provide care for patients in the Kellogg Glaucoma Clinic while minimizing risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish a drive-through clinic model to provide glaucoma care for patients while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Patients and methods: A drive-through clinic was created by adapting a 1-lane, 1-way driveway adjacent to the Kellogg Eye Center building entrance. Patients were physicianselected from the Glaucoma Clinic at Kellogg Eye Center as existing patients who required intraocular pressure (IOP) checks and therapeutic management and were chosen based on their ability to be managed with an IOP measurement primarily. The entrance was otherwise closed to the public, allowing staff to utilize an adjacent vestibule with glass walls and sliding doors as a staffroom. Patients were instructed to arrive within a 15-minute time window at which time they would drive through the lane and stop their cars under an awning over the driveway. Ophthalmic technicians wearing appropriate personal protective equipment then approached each car, confirmed patient information, and measured IOP. Once the data were recorded using a mobile workstation, the physician was able to complete each visit by discussing the findings and therapeutic plan with the patient, either in-person in real time or virtually by phone or video visit at a later time.

Results: A total of 241 visits were completed over 14 half day clinic sessions, with number of drive-through visits ranging from 5 to 45 per session.

Conclusions: It is possible to institute a drive-through model of IOP checks for glaucoma patients which is efficient and minimizes the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for patients and staff.