2 minute read
Belgian doctors tackle the virus
Tackling COVID-19
Marie-José Tassignon still believes an adequate battle against COVID-19 will save lives in her native Belgium. Aidan Hanratty reports
Marie-José Tassignon’s department at the University Hospital of Antwerp (UZA) started to decrease the number of contacts with patients. New patients and basic cases were cancelled, while the hospital director called for the cancellation of as much elective surgery as possible. Postoperative controls were done by phone, thereby reducing hospital footfall.
A few colleagues became COVID-19 positive, but all recovered very well.
The only cataract procedures now being carried out are for paediatric patients.
“If we don’t operate on them, they lose vision and they lose potential for social integration later,” she said. “Babies and children don’t seem to be a target for the COVID19 virus.
Her hospital has a daily update at 5pm: “The medical director gives indications of what should be done, and the hospital website gives you alerts when something has been decided.” These are crucial for ophthalmology as they are dealing specifically with the conjunctiva and tear film and examination occurs at short distance to the patient.
Directions need to be implemented and this requires strong leadership, improvisation and optimal communication. “Some colleagues turn out to be very talented in creating a positive atmosphere and avoiding chaos. They deserve special thanks.”
Prof Tassignon’s take-home message is simple. “Take it seriously. Pay attention to clean everything you look, at and which may be a source of contamination. Clean it with alcohol before starting your consultation. Have a second critical look around of what may be a potential source to spread the virus and clean it again with alcohol. Wear a mask and gloves and protect your eyes with special shields.”
Another key message is that if you must check a patient’s intraocular pressure, use your hands (with gloves) and no air puffs, as the puff may cause the spreading of tear drops.
By March 23, no more than three doctors were present at once at the outpatient clinic.
“The good news is that we know there will be an end of this pandemic. Although, we must be prepared that there may be a second peak after this, so be aware that recovering your normal working rhythm will take time.”
This pandemic will be memorable but solidarity has never been so high, believes Prof Tassignon, with ophthalmologists volunteering to help in non-ophthalmology wards. They are the real heroes, she said. “You cannot put the clock back, but we have to believe that when following the rules, we shall overcome,” she said.
The excellent optics and the superior mechanics make a Haag-Streit slit lamp one of the best investments you can ever make for your practice.
