Outcomes of ophthalmic nurse conducted phone call follow-up of cataract surgery patients at an Australian Public Hospital.

Background: COVID-related clinic shutdowns mandated the use of a day 1 telephone follow-up the day after routine cataract surgery rather than clinic attendance. We investigated to see if this is a safe alternative to standard care.

Methods: Ninety-nine patients who underwent a routine cataract extraction between 22 April 2020 and 19 August 2020 at our Hospital were included in this audit. On post-operative day 1, a standardised questionnaire which screened for ocular symptoms and the observance of correct post-operative procedure was administered. Additionally, an ophthalmic nurse delivered a set of instructions. Patients were then reviewed at our clinic on post-operative day 30. Complications and subsequent clinical management were recorded at this consultation.

Results: The complications found were largely in line with international data and included: prolonged anterior chamber inflammation, cystoid macular oedema, refractive surprise and phimosis. Management at 1-month patient review was in all cases expectant, and there were no complications requiring urgent attention.

Conclusions: A nurse conducted telephone questionnaire on post-operative day 1 appears to be a safe alternative to traditional follow-up. With its implementation, ophthalmic nurses can help relieve strain on ophthalmology departments.