Lockdown low vision assessment: an audit of 500 telephone‐based modified low vision consultations

Purpose Non-urgent face-to-face outpatient ophthalmology appointments were suspended in the United Kingdom March 2020, due to COVID-19 outbreak. In common with other centres, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (London) offered modified telephone consultations new and follow-up patients low vision clinic. Here we assess success of this service. Methods Data collected for 500 consecutive appointments. Successful completion assessment clinical outcomes (low aids prescribed, onward referral) recorded. Results Telephone assessments completed 364 people (72.8%). The most reasons non-completion either no answer call (75 people, 15%), or patient declining (20 4%). There was association between age likelihood an being completed. 131 dispensed, 77 internal referrals made 15 referred outside services. More than 80% prescribed useful. Conclusions about three-quarters cases. About one-quarter resulted which generally found can be used successfully a large clinic, but have many limitations when compared assessments.