Meghana Kalavar1, Hong-Uyen Hua2, Jayanth Sridhar1. 1. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. 2. Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to assess the current state of teleophthalmology given the sudden surge in telemedicine demand in response to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). RECENT FINDINGS: Recommendations and policies from government and national health organizations, combined with social distancing, have led to exponential increases in telemedicine use. Teleophthalmology can be integrated into ophthalmic care delivery. In the emergency room, teleophthalmology can be utilized to triage patients and diagnose common ophthalmic eye diseases. Ophthalmology practices can utilize real-time medicine to conduct many parts of an in-person exam. In cases where more complex diagnostic tools are warranted, a model incorporating telemedicine and focused in-person visits may still be beneficial. Innovative technologies emerging in the market allow for increased remote monitoring, screening, and management of adult and pediatric patients for common eye diseases. SUMMARY: COVID-19 created a demand for healthcare delivery that limits in-person examination and potential viral exposure. Teleophthalmology allows ophthalmologists to continue caring for patients while keeping physicians and patients safe. Although challenges still exist, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of teleophthalmology. As a result, teleophthalmology will play an integral role in providing high-quality efficient care in the near future.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to assess the current state of teleophthalmology given the sudden surge in telemedicine demand in response to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). RECENT FINDINGS: Recommendations and policies from government and national health organizations, combined with social distancing, have led to exponential increases in telemedicine use. Teleophthalmology can be integrated into ophthalmic care delivery. In the emergency room, teleophthalmology can be utilized to triage patients and diagnose common ophthalmic eye diseases. Ophthalmology practices can utilize real-time medicine to conduct many parts of an in-person exam. In cases where more complex diagnostic tools are warranted, a model incorporating telemedicine and focused in-person visits may still be beneficial. Innovative technologies emerging in the market allow for increased remote monitoring, screening, and management of adult and pediatric patients for common eye diseases. SUMMARY:COVID-19 created a demand for healthcare delivery that limits in-person examination and potential viral exposure. Teleophthalmology allows ophthalmologists to continue caring for patients while keeping physicians and patients safe. Although challenges still exist, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of teleophthalmology. As a result, teleophthalmology will play an integral role in providing high-quality efficient care in the near future.
Authors: Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf; Simo Murovski; Henrike Julich-Härtel; Annekatrin Rickmann; Julie E Szabo; Mariya Erokhina; Martin Wenzel; Kai Januschowski Journal: Cureus Date: 2022-04-17
Authors: G N Subathra; Sharmila R Rajendrababu; Vijayalakshmi A Senthilkumar; Iswarya Mani; B Udayakumar Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol Date: 2021-05 Impact factor: 1.848