Purpose: Intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by drusen, alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium, and various features of pigment epithelium detachment (PEDs) without exudation. With the advent of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), non-exudative choroidal neovascularization (CNV) has recently been reported in eyes with intermediate AMD.This study investigated the frequency of subclinical, non-exudative CNV in eyes with intermediate AMD using OCTA. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCTA images of 140 eyes (97 patients) with intermediate AMD. PEDs were divided into 4 types based on OCT. En-face OCTA and cross-sectional OCTA were performed to detect the presence of non-exudative CNV in eyes with intermediate AMD. Results: The frequency of subclinical non-exudative CNV was 13.8% (17 eyes) in eyes with intermediate AMD. Drusenoid PEDs accounted for 47% (66 eyes), shallow irregular PEDs for 20% (28 eyes), serous PEDs for 19% (26 eyes), and combined PEDs for 15% (20 eyes). Non-exudative CNV was observed only in eyes with shallow irregular PEDs. The frequency of non-exudative CNV in shallow irregular PEDs was 38.6%. Conclusions Subclinical non-exudative CNV was identified in 13.8% of eyes with intermediate AMD, which does not seem to be low.Therefore, OCTA may be necessary to evaluate patients with intermediate AMD, particularly those with shallow irregular PEDs.

Background: This study presents a framework for determining the allocation and distribution of the limited amount of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: After analyzing the pandemic strategies of the major organizations and countries and with a literature review conducted by a core panel, a modified Delphi survey was administered to 13 experts in the fields of vaccination, infectious disease, and public health in the Republic of Korea. The following topics were discussed: 1) identifying the objectives of the vaccination strategy, 2) identifying allocation criteria, and 3) establishing a step-bystep vaccination framework and prioritization strategy based on the allocation criteria. Two rounds of surveys were conducted for each topic, with a structured questionnaire provided via e-mail in the first round. After analyzing the responses, a meeting with the experts was held to obtain consensus on how to prioritize the population groups. Results: The first objective of the vaccination strategy was maintenance of the integrity of the healthcare system and critical infrastructure, followed by reduction of morbidity and mortality and reduction of community transmission. In the initial phase, older adult residents in care homes, high-risk health and social care workers, and personal support workers who work in direct contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients would be prioritized. Expansion of vaccine supply would allow immunization of older adults not included in phase 1, followed by healthcare workers not previously included and individuals with comorbidities. Further widespread vaccine supply would ensure availability to the extended adult age groups (50–64 years old), critical workers outside the health sector, residents who cannot socially distance, and, eventually, the remaining populations. Conclusion This survey provides the much needed insight into the decision-making process for vaccine allocation at the national level. However, flexibility in adapting to strategies will be essential, as new information is constantly emerging.

Background: This study presents a framework for determining the allocation and distribution of the limited amount of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: After analyzing the pandemic strategies of the major organizations and countries and with a literature review conducted by a core panel, a modified Delphi survey was administered to 13 experts in the fields of vaccination, infectious disease, and public health in the Republic of Korea. The following topics were discussed: 1) identifying the objectives of the vaccination strategy, 2) identifying allocation criteria, and 3) establishing a step-bystep vaccination framework and prioritization strategy based on the allocation criteria. Two rounds of surveys were conducted for each topic, with a structured questionnaire provided via e-mail in the first round. After analyzing the responses, a meeting with the experts was held to obtain consensus on how to prioritize the population groups. Results: The first objective of the vaccination strategy was maintenance of the integrity of the healthcare system and critical infrastructure, followed by reduction of morbidity and mortality and reduction of community transmission. In the initial phase, older adult residents in care homes, high-risk health and social care workers, and personal support workers who work in direct contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients would be prioritized. Expansion of vaccine supply would allow immunization of older adults not included in phase 1, followed by healthcare workers not previously included and individuals with comorbidities. Further widespread vaccine supply would ensure availability to the extended adult age groups (50–64 years old), critical workers outside the health sector, residents who cannot socially distance, and, eventually, the remaining populations. Conclusion This survey provides the much needed insight into the decision-making process for vaccine allocation at the national level. However, flexibility in adapting to strategies will be essential, as new information is constantly emerging.