Practice Patterns of Pediatric Ophthalmologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: To report the use of protective personal equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A 12-question multiple-choice survey was posted on a discussion board used by members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). Respondents provided informa-tion about their experience, PPE use, office equipment, and approach to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: One hundred twenty-eight pediatric ophthal-mologists completed the survey. Eighty-seven (68.0%) identified as in private practice, whereas 41 (32.0%) identified as in an academic setting. Sixty-nine pediat-ric ophthalmologists (53.9%) reported routinely using N95 respirators, 72 (56.3%) reported wearing medical scrubs, 41 (32.0%) reported using disposable gloves, 33 (25.7%) reported wearing goggles, and 12 (9.4%) reported using face shields during office examinations. One hundred twenty-one pediatric ophthalmologists (94.5%) reported having slit lamps with plastic shields and 52 (40.6%) reported having phoropters with plastic shields. Ninety-nine (77.3%) responded that they would see a patient older than 2 years who refused to wear a mask for a nonemergency visit. Conclusions: Practice patterns of pediatric ophthal-mologists have varied during the COVID-19 pandemic.