Angela Au1, Omesh Gupta. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A literature review was conducted presenting the current data on the economics of telemedicine in vitreoretinal diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been an increasing number of studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine for vitreoretinal diseases. The availability of ophthalmologists able to screen for these conditions is limited. Teleophthalmology has been playing a larger role in screening for diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Many telemedicine programs are currently being investigated and implemented. SUMMARY: Telemedicine is a cost-effective means for screening diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. It can alleviate some of the burden of this growing public health problem. However, the large initial cost associated with beginning a teleophthalmology retinal screening program is a barrier to implementation. Additional studies are needed in the area of telemedicine for age-related macular degeneration.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A literature review was conducted presenting the current data on the economics of telemedicine in vitreoretinal diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been an increasing number of studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine for vitreoretinal diseases. The availability of ophthalmologists able to screen for these conditions is limited. Teleophthalmology has been playing a larger role in screening for diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Many telemedicine programs are currently being investigated and implemented. SUMMARY: Telemedicine is a cost-effective means for screening diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. It can alleviate some of the burden of this growing public health problem. However, the large initial cost associated with beginning a teleophthalmology retinal screening program is a barrier to implementation. Additional studies are needed in the area of telemedicine for age-related macular degeneration.
Authors: Fernando Korn Malerbi; Paulo Henrique Morales; Michel Eid Farah; Karla Rezende Guerra Drummond; Tessa Cerqueira Lemos Mattos; André Araújo Pinheiro; Felipe Mallmann; Ricardo Vessoni Perez; Franz Schubert Lopes Leal; Marília Brito Gomes; Sergio Atala Dib Journal: Diabetol Metab Syndr Date: 2015-12-21 Impact factor: 3.320
Authors: Cynthia Owsley; Lindsay A Rhodes; Gerald McGwin; Stephen T Mennemeyer; Mary Bregantini; Nita Patel; Demond M Wiley; Frank LaRussa; Dan Box; Jinan Saaddine; John E Crews; Christopher A Girkin Journal: Int J Equity Health Date: 2015-11-18