In the current period of COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals are faced with the challenge of minimising the risk of viral transmission. Ophthalmologists rely on close patient contact to examine and treat ocular disease, resulting in the exposure of naso-pharyngeal flow and dispersion of viral droplets. This is of particular concern when patient contact time is prolonged, such as when performing urgent or emergency surgery. Moreover, surgical procedures, including pars plana vitrectomy, that involve high-speed devices are considered to be aerosol generating procedures (https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Vitreoretinal-surgery-management-guidance-070420.pdf). Although the viral load in conjunctiva and tears is thought to be low [1], viral load in the vitreous and the potential of viral transmission remains unknown. Literature on the risks of aerosol transmission of infection in hospital operating theatres is well described [2]. Exhaled air plumes from a patient lying on a bed can be spread over long distances, assisted by differences in air temperature and density [3].

  • Clear monitor cover found at ALCON vitrectomy prepack (3 M®).

  • Semi-transparent ophthalmic drape.

  • Sterile steri-drape 1040 (35 × 35 cm) (3 M®).

  • Sterile scissors.

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