It is not uncommon for useful inventions to be born in times of crisis when human brain is placed under intense stress and this is how a unique protective face shield for ophthalmologists was invented at the University Specialized Hospital for Ophthalmic Diseases in Bulgaria's city of Varna. Optometry student Hatidzhe Davidova, with the help of her husband's company, has created a plexiglass face shield suitable for work with all types of biomicroscopes. "The invention helps us as it does not interfere with our use of the biomicroscope, but at the same time provides complete protection," Prof. Dr. Hristina Grupcheva, Executive Director of the hospital told BNR-Varna.

"This shield provides complete protection for both the doctor and the patient, and it is not only against Covid-19. Another important point is that other masks, when placed over the nose, easily get foggy and this does not happen with this type of shield, which also is suitable for all types of biomicroscopes. It can be cleaned after each patient, which is extremely important because we stand just 40 cm away from the patient as we cannot stay at a safe distance and do the examination. We have already received over 45 orders for the shields," Dr. Grupcheva explains.

The hospital is ready to help colleagues across the country. Four weeks ago, ophthalmologists at the Varna University Hospital used to work using small safety shields that were placed in front of the doctor's mouth. "This piece did not not provide any protection, while the shield now provides full protection and it can be used in any epidemic situation, for example when respiratory diseases are frequent; it can even be used continuously," says Prof. Hristina Grupcheva. 

The medical facility she runs continues to handle emergency cases:

"We have ensured safe conditions so that our patients are fully protected. We measure body temperature of each patient and we allow only one companion. The patient is required to be wearing a face mask and gloves. If a patient needs surgery, a special procedure is followed for bringing the patient to the operating room; surgery is performed and then the patient is discharged as quickly as possible."

Editor: Gergana Mancheva /interview by Daniela Stoynova, BNR-Varna/

English: Alexander Markov