Lessons learnt: ophthalmology service organization, single-center experience from a COVID-19 highly affected area

Introduction: The COVID-19 contagion curve is steeply increasing again worldwide; however, this time we face the emergency with different knowledge. Areas covered: In this review article, we present international guidelines and updated literature merged with our experience from hospitals in Bergamo, the epicenter of the first European COVID-19 outbreak, and provide a protocol tailored for ophthalmology professionals for organizing ophthalmology services for the second-wave of COVID-19 pandemic, to satisfy ophthalmic care needs while minimizing viral spread. Results from this strategy are discussed. We have developed a protocol that can balance safety, costs and quality. Expert opinion: Re-shaping ophthalmology practice resulted in higher costs and longer working times, but this is necessary to ensure safety. Updating ophthalmology protocols should be a priority worldwide.