Telemedicine for eye care.

Tele-ophthalmology has been employed mainly for patients in under-served rural areas in need of specialty care, but other applications such as telementoring have also been used. In certain populations, cost containment is a significant issue and telemedicine is a solution. Tele-ophthalmology can be performed in realtime, by store-and-forward mode, or by hybrid techniques. After appropriate modification, a range of peripherals may be used for tele-ophthalmology, including the direct ophthalmoscope, indirect ophthalmoscope, slit lamp or retinal camera. Tele-ophthalmology applications include: detecting, screening and diagnosing diabetic retinopathy; anterior segment imaging; glaucoma screening; low vision consultation; telementoring. Tele-ophthalmology shows great promise for improving patient care and increasing access to specialty care not available in under-served areas. In developing countries tele-ophthalmology may be a cost-effective method by which richer countries can assist them.