Patient, child care help reduce stress for ODs during COVID-19
The majority of optometrists surveyed said their mental health has gotten worse during the pandemic; however, they said seeing patients and caring for the children at home protected them against depression.
Yi Pang, OD, PhD, FAAO, and Connor Robbs, BS, presented their study results during an academy-sponsored press conference held as part of the virtual American Academy of Optometry meeting.
Eye care professionals face unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic because eye care requires face-to-face interactions through slit lamp exam, contact lens management, and direct and indirect ophthalmoscope use, Pang said.
“One would expect that stress level and mental health level would increase,” she said.
The researchers received 1,558 responses to a 22-question survey that was sent through social media to optometrists, ophthalmologists, staff and optometry students, Robb said.
The study abstract specified that 69.2% were female; 1,431 were from the U.S.; 617 were optometrists; 610 were optometry students; 197 were ophthalmologists; and 134 were eye care staff.
Robbs said that 61.8% of respondents said COVD-19 had a negative impact on their mental health, and 38.6% were identified as probable cases of anxiety or depression or both.
Pang said, “We found that being a student, being female, having younger age, being Asian and the number of daily new COVID patients in the state were risk factors.”
She also said they identified protective factors against depression that went against their hypothesis.
“We found that more interactions with patients and having a greater proportion of child care responsibilities at home protect against depression,” she said.
The researchers identified outdoor activities, family time and exercise as the top three activities that helped mental health.
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Pang Y, et al. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in eye care practitioners, staff and optometry students. Presented at: American Academy of Optometry meeting; October 7-22, 2020; virtual meeting.
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