Returning to cataract surgery after a hiatus: a UK survey report

Cataract surgeons may periodically take time away from operating which can lead to skills fade. There is a paucity of research investigating the experiences of returning cataract surgeons

and how different individual circumstances impact on their return. Our aim was to investigate the subjective experiences of UK ophthalmologists simultaneously returning to surgery following

the nationwide elective surgical hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

An online survey was nationally distributed between 01/09/2020 and 29/10/2020 to registered UK ophthalmologists. Participants indicating a surgical hiatus of 8 weeks or more were included.

232 of 264 responses were analysed. Covid-19 was the most frequent reason for a surgical hiatus (median 15 weeks). Perceived operating difficulties were found in 29.1%. Transient anxiety

(51.7%), reduced confidence, and perceived increased surgical time were commonplace. Trainees and females were more likely to encounter negative experiences (p