Ophthalmologists with conjunctivitis: are they fit to work?

PURPOSE: To establish current opinion as to whether ophthalmologists with conjunctivitis are fit to work.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty ophthalmology units in the United Kingdom were sent a postal survey enquiring about work practices when an ophthalmologist contracts conjunctivitis.

RESULTS

One hundred and five replies were received. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents said the ophthalmologist should stay off work while 7% said he or she should continue as usual. There was no concordance as to whether viral or bacterial conjunctivitis posed a greater problem. There is evidence that ophthalmologists have been implicated in the spread of epidemics of viral conjunctivitis but also reports of ophthalmologists who have continued to work with no reported spread of infection.

CONCLUSION

In view of the lack of consensus the authors are unable to recommend evidence-based clinical guidelines, but would suggest that use of modern diagnostic laboratory techniques may help in making the decision as to whether to continue at work or not.