DR. ROLIKA BANSAL

DR. RAKSHA RAO, DR.ANKITA AISHWARYA, DR. SANTOSH G. HONAVAR

Abstract

Purpose: The unforeseen SARS-CoV-2 pandemic adversely affected management of patients requiring specialized care including pediatric life threatening cancers like retinoblastoma. WE assessed the contribution of tele-mentoring in reaching out to regional ophthalmologists. Methodology: Cross-sectional, observational study. Results: Of the retinoblastoma children scheduled to follow-up during the study period 326(77%) defaulted, majority residing 501-1000kms from the treating centre, primarily from the middle 141(43%) & lower 133(41%) socio-economic classes. Tele-mentoring aided in ensuring review by regional ophthalmologists 69(21%) including chemotherapy to 3(4%), cryotherapy 2(3%), transpupillary thermotherapy 9(13%) & intravitreal topotecan 3(4%). Non-government organizations contributed generously for regularized management. Conclusion: Tele-mentoring by specialists aided in providing protocol-based timely management by regional ophthalmologists in the difficult times of a pandemic.