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Nagino K, Sung J, Midorikawa-Inomata A, Eguchi A, Fujimoto K, Okumura Y, Miura M, Yee A, Hurramhon S, Fujio K, Akasaki Y, Hirosawa K, Huang T, Ohno M, Morooka Y, Zou X, Kobayashi H, Inomata T. Clinical Utility of Smartphone Applications in Ophthalmology: A Systematic Review. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100342. [PMID: 37869018 PMCID: PMC10587618 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Topic Numerous smartphone applications have been devised for diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management in ophthalmology. Despite the importance of systematic evaluation of the purpose, target disease, effectiveness, and utility of smartphone applications to their effective utilization, few studies have formally evaluated their validity, reliability, and clinical utility. Clinical Relevance This report identifies smartphone applications with potential for clinical implementation in ophthalmology and summarizes the evidence on their practical utility. Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE on July 28, 2022, for articles reporting original data on the effectiveness of treatment, disease detection, diagnostic accuracy, disease monitoring, and usability of smartphone applications in ophthalmology published between January 1, 1987, and July 25, 2022. Their quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results The initial search yielded 510 articles. After removing 115 duplicates and 285 articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the full texts of the remaining 110 articles were reviewed. Furthermore, 71 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. All studies were determined to be of high (87.3%) or moderate (12.7%) quality. In terms of respective application of interest, 24 (33.8%) studies assessed diagnostic accuracy, 17 (23.9%) assessed disease detection, and 3 (4.2%) assessed intervention efficacy. A total of 48 smartphone applications were identified, of which 27 (56.3%) were publicly available. Seventeen (35.4%) applications included functions for ophthalmic examinations, 13 (27.1%) included functions aimed at disease detection, 10 (20.8%) included functions to support medical personnel, five (10.4%) included functions related to disease education, and three (6.3%) included functions to promote treatment adherence for patients. The largest number of applications targeted amblyopia (18.8%), followed by retinal disease (10.4%). Two (4.2%) smartphone applications reported significant efficacy in treating diseases. Conclusion In this systematic review, a comprehensive appraisal is presented on studies related to diagnostic accuracy, disease detectability, and efficacy of smartphone applications in ophthalmology. Forty-eight applications with potential clinical utility are identified. Appropriate smartphone applications are expected to enable early detection of undiagnosed diseases via telemedicine and prevent visual dysfunction via remote monitoring of chronic diseases. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Nagino
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jaemyoung Sung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akie Midorikawa-Inomata
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Eguchi
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fujimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Okumura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maria Miura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alan Yee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shokirova Hurramhon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Fujio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutsugu Akasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hirosawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tianxiang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizu Ohno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Morooka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xinrong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fengcheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takenori Inomata
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- AI Incubation Farm, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Joseph A, Bullimore M, Drawnel F, Miranda M, Morgan Z, Wang YZ. Remote Monitoring of Visual Function in Patients with Maculopathy: The Aphelion Study. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:409-422. [PMID: 38015309 PMCID: PMC10776523 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00854-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Remote monitoring of vision, using tools such as the shape discrimination hyperacuity (SDH) test, can detect disease activity in patients with maculopathy. We determined the in-clinic accuracy and repeatability of three myVisionTrack expanded version (mVTx) tests for self-testing of visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity. METHODS Aphelion, a single-arm, prospective study conducted at two sites in the USA, included adults with any maculopathy and a baseline VA of 0.7 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen 20/100) or better. Participants completed the mVTx tests (tumbling E, Landolt C, contrast sensitivity, and SDH) and standard clinical tests (near and distance Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] charts and the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart). Test-retest repeatability and agreement between the mVTx tests and the corresponding clinical test were assessed by Bland-Altman analyses. Participants also completed a usability survey. RESULTS The mean age of the 122 participants was 67 years. The most common diagnosis was age-related macular degeneration (42% of patients). The tumbling E test had a test-retest 95% limit of agreement (LoA) of ± 0.18 logMAR; the Landolt C test, ± 0.23 logMAR; the SDH test, ± 0.24 logMAR; and the contrast sensitivity test, ± 0.32 log contrast threshold (logCT). Compared with the distance ETDRS chart, the LoA was ± 0.35 logMAR for the tumbling E test (mean difference, - 0.07 logMAR) and ± 0.39 logMAR for the Landolt C test (mean difference, 0.03 logMAR). For the contrast sensitivity test, the LoA compared with the Pelli-Robson chart was ± 0.30 logCT (mean difference, - 0.25 logCT). Most participants (85%) reported that they learned the tests quickly. The tumbling E test scored the highest on ease of use. CONCLUSION The mVTx tests of VA are accurate and repeatable, supporting their potential use alongside the SDH test to detect disease progression remotely between clinic visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Bullimore
- University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Marco Miranda
- Roche Products, Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, UK
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Zoe Morgan
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yi-Zhong Wang
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, 9600 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX, 75321, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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3
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Than J, Sim PY, Muttuvelu D, Ferraz D, Koh V, Kang S, Huemer J. Teleophthalmology and retina: a review of current tools, pathways and services. Int J Retina Vitreous 2023; 9:76. [PMID: 38053188 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-023-00502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine, the use of telecommunication and information technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has evolved beyond recognition since its inception in the 1970s. Advances in telecommunication infrastructure, the advent of the Internet, exponential growth in computing power and associated computer-aided diagnosis, and medical imaging developments have created an environment where telemedicine is more accessible and capable than ever before, particularly in the field of ophthalmology. Ever-increasing global demand for ophthalmic services due to population growth and ageing together with insufficient supply of ophthalmologists requires new models of healthcare provision integrating telemedicine to meet present day challenges, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic providing the catalyst for the widespread adoption and acceptance of teleophthalmology. In this review we discuss the history, present and future application of telemedicine within the field of ophthalmology, and specifically retinal disease. We consider the strengths and limitations of teleophthalmology, its role in screening, community and hospital management of retinal disease, patient and clinician attitudes, and barriers to its adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Than
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Peng Y Sim
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Danson Muttuvelu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- MitØje ApS/Danske Speciallaeger Aps, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Daniel Ferraz
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victor Koh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swan Kang
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Josef Huemer
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, UK.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria.
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4
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Balaskas K, Drawnel F, Khanani AM, Knox PC, Mavromaras G, Wang YZ. Home vision monitoring in patients with maculopathy: current and future options for digital technologies. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3108-3120. [PMID: 36973405 PMCID: PMC10042418 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with macular pathology, including that caused by age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema, must attend frequent in-clinic monitoring appointments to detect onset of disease activity requiring treatment and to monitor progression of existing disease. In-person clinical monitoring places a significant burden on patients, caregivers and healthcare systems and is limited in that it only provides clinicians with a snapshot of the patient's disease status. The advent of remote monitoring technologies offers the potential for patients to test their own retinal health at home in collaboration with clinicians, reducing the need for in-clinic appointments. In this review we discuss visual function tests, both existing and novel, that have the potential for remote use and consider their suitability for discriminating the presence of disease and progression of disease. We then review the clinical evidence supporting the use of mobile applications for monitoring of visual function from clinical development through to validation studies and real-world implementation. This review identified seven app-based visual function tests: four that have already received some form of regulatory clearance and three under development. The evidence included in this review shows that remote monitoring offers great potential for patients with macular pathology to monitor their condition from home, reducing the need for burdensome clinic visits and expanding clinicians' understanding of patients' retinal health beyond traditional clinical monitoring. In order to instil confidence in the use of remote monitoring in both patients and clinicians further longitudinal real-world studies are now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Balaskas
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Arshad M Khanani
- The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Paul C Knox
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Yi-Zhong Wang
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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5
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Claessens D, Krüger RV, Grötzinger L. Change in Sub-aspects of Vision-Related Quality of Life after Three Months of Using an App to Categorize Metamorphopsia. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:1091-1097. [PMID: 35426105 DOI: 10.1055/a-1809-5125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM Distorted vision (metamorphopsia) is a leading symptom in retinal disease and can be categorized with the app MacuFix. This prospective controlled pilot study examined the influence of the app MacuFix as a method to assess metamorphopsia on vision-related quality of life. METHODS Forty-five patients suffering from metamorphopsia in at least one eye were recruited for the study. Vision-related quality of life before and after 3 months of optional home monitoring using the app MacuFix were compared with the questionnaire National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25. RESULTS The 45 participants (18 women, 27 men) were, on average, 68 years old (SD ± 9.7) and had a mean best-corrected visual acuity of 0.6 (SD ± 0.25). Of 90 eyes, 18 revealed no maculopathy. Age-related macular degeneration existed in 52 eyes, epiretinal gliosis in 6, and macular hole in 1 eye. Macular edema was present in two eyes due to diabetes, four eyes due to uveitis, one eye after retinal venous thrombosis, four eyes because of an Irvine Gass syndrome, and two eyes caused by central serous thrombosis. After 3 months, 35 persons used the app for home monitoring, 8 persons applied the Amsler Grid, and 2 did not use any test. App users showed a highly significant improvement in vision-related quality of life in questions on mental health and concern about vision, and a significant improvement in performance, dejection, control, and embarrassing situations. CONCLUSION The results suggest that MacuFix can possibly ameliorate partial aspects of vision-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Claessens
- Augenheilkunde, Gemeinschaftspraxis Augenheilkunde Lindenthal, Köln, Deutschland
| | | | - Lilly Grötzinger
- Gesundheitsökonomie, Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, Deutschland
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6
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Faes L, Maloca PM, Hatz K, Wolfensberger TJ, Munk MR, Sim DA, Bachmann LM, Schmid MK. Transforming ophthalmology in the digital century-new care models with added value for patients. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2172-2175. [PMID: 36460858 PMCID: PMC9735073 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02313-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ophthalmology faces many challenges in providing effective and meaningful eye care to an ever-increasing group of people. Even health systems that have so far been able to cope with the quantitative patient increase, due to their funding and the availability of highly qualified professionals, and improvements in practice routine efficiency, will be pushed to their limits. Further pressure on care will also be caused by new active substances for the largest group of patients with AMD, the so-called dry form. Treatment availability for this so far untreated group will increase the volume of patients 2-3 times. Without the adaptation of the care structures, this quantitative and qualitative expansion in therapy will inevitably lead to an undersupply.There is increasing scientific evidence that significant efficiency gains in the care of chronic diseases can be achieved through better networking of stakeholders in the healthcare system and greater patient involvement. Digitalization can make an important contribution here. Many technological solutions have been developed in recent years and the time is now ready to exploit this potential. The exceptional setting during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown many that new technology is available safely, quickly, and effectively. The emergency has catalyzed innovation processes and shown for post-pandemic time after that we are equipped to tackle the challenges in ophthalmic healthcare - ultimately for the benefit of patients and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Faes
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Rd, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Peter M Maloca
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- OCTlab, University Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Hirslanden St. Anna im Bahnhof Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Katja Hatz
- Vista Eye Clinic Binningen, Hauptstrasse 55, CH-4102, Binningen, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Marion R Munk
- Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dawn A Sim
- Moorfields Ophthalmic Reading Centre and Artificial Intelligence Lab, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Medical Retina Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
| | - Lucas M Bachmann
- Medignition AG, Engelstrasse 6, 8004, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Martin K Schmid
- Eye Clinic, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital LUKS, 6000 16, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Faes L, Golla K, Islam M, Lienhard KR, Schmid MK, Sim DA, Bachmann LM. System usability, user satisfaction and long-term adherence to mobile hyperacuity home monitoring-prospective follow-up study. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:650-654. [PMID: 35292773 PMCID: PMC9998848 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-01959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the usability and long-term adherence to the mobile hyperacuity app Alleye in patients with retinal pathology. METHODS We enroled 72 patients (95 eyes) mainly treated for wet AMD (48/95; 50.5%). We calculated changes of clinical characteristics and the System Usability Score (SUS), and personal ratings of usefulness and number of tests performed per month at a follow-up visit of eighteen months. RESULTS At baseline, mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 74.9 letters (SD 14.8), mean age was 69.9 (SD 11.4) and 39/72 (54.2%) were female. Of included patients, 47/72 (65.2%) reported to use mobile devices daily. The retention rate until last follow-up was 73.6 % (53/72). The median SUS score at baseline was 90 (interquartile range (IQR) 82.5-95) and 92.5 (IQR 82.5-95) in the follow-up. No association between changes of SUS and clinical characteristics was seen. At baseline, 76.4% (55/72) stated that they would recommend the app to a friend, 83.3% (60/72) were very satisfied with the app and 58/72 (80.6%) of respondents said they trusted the app. These assessments remained similar among patients remaining on the program until the follow-up. Patients who dropped out of the study (n = 19) did not differ in age, gender, BCVA, and SUS at baseline, but stated that they did not use the mobile device daily (Odds Ratio 7.40 (95%CI: 2.32-23.65); p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The majority of users willing to perform home monitoring with the Alleye app are satisfied with the usability and have a positive attitude towards its trustworthiness and usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Faes
- Eye Clinic, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kathrin Golla
- Eye Clinic, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Kenny R Lienhard
- Oculocare Medical AG, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medignition AG, Research Consultants, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin K Schmid
- Eye Clinic, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Oculocare Medical AG, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lucas M Bachmann
- Oculocare Medical AG, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Medignition AG, Research Consultants, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Bjerager J, Schneider M, Potapenko I, van Dijk EHC, Faber C, Grauslund J, Pfau K, Huemer J, Muttuvelu DV, Rasmussen MLR, Sabaner MC, Subhi Y. Diagnostic Accuracy of the Amsler Grid Test for Detecting Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:315-323. [PMID: 36795396 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.6396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Importance Patients with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are encouraged to use the Amsler grid test for self-assessment to facilitate early diagnosis. The test is widely recommended, suggesting a belief that it signals worsening AMD, warranting its use in home monitoring. Objective To systematically review studies of the diagnostic test accuracy of the Amsler grid in the diagnosis of neovascular AMD and to perform diagnostic test accuracy meta-analyses. Data Sources A systematic literature search was conducted in 12 databases for relevant titles from database inception until May 7, 2022. Study Selection Studies included those with groups defined as having (1) neovascular AMD and (2) either healthy eyes or eyes with nonneovascular AMD. The index test was the Amsler grid. The reference standard was ophthalmic examination. After removal of obviously irrelevant reports, 2 authors (J.B. and M.S.) independently screened the remaining references in full text for potential eligibility. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.). Data Extraction and Synthesis Two authors (J.B. and I.P.) independently extracted all data and evaluated quality and applicability of eligible studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.). Main Outcomes and Measures Sensitivity and specificity of the Amsler grid for detecting neovascular AMD with comparators being either healthy control participants or patients with nonneovascular AMD. Results Of 523 records screened, 10 studies were included with a total of 1890 eyes (mean participant age ranging from 62 to 83 years). Sensitivity and specificity to diagnose neovascular AMD were 67% (95% CI, 51%-79%) and 99% (95% CI, 85%-100%), respectively, when comparators were healthy control participants and 71% (95% CI, 60%-80%) and 63% (95% CI, 49%-51%), respectively, when control participants were patients with nonneovascular AMD. Overall, potential sources of bias were low across studies. Conclusions and Relevance Although the Amsler grid is easy and inexpensive to use for detection of metamorphopsia, its sensitivity may be at levels typically not recommended for monitoring. Coupling this lower sensitivity with only moderate specificity to identify neovascular AMD in a population at risk, these findings suggest that such patients typically should be encouraged to undergo ophthalmic examination regularly, regardless of any results of Amsler grid self-assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Bjerager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Miklos Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivan Potapenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Elon H C van Dijk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Haga Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Carsten Faber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Grauslund
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Ophthalmology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Kristina Pfau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josef Huemer
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danson V Muttuvelu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,MitØje Aps, Skive, Denmark
| | - Marie L R Rasmussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Cem Sabaner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kütahya Health Sciences University, Evliya Celebi Training and Research Hospital, Kütahya, Turkey
| | - Yousif Subhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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9
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Hoffmann L, Müller S, Bachmann LM, Claessens D, Hatz K. Prospective Study Comparing Quantitative Self-Monitoring Metamorphopsia Measurement Tools in Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV). Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:1347-1355. [PMID: 37192996 PMCID: PMC10182808 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s395989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the ability of two self-monitoring digital devices to detect metamorphopsia in myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and compare their usability. Patients and Methods This was a 12-month prospective observational study at a tertiary care eye hospital, Switzerland. Twenty-three Caucasian patients with mCNV were recruited, 21 eyes were analyzed. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Primary outcome measures were the metamorphopsia index scores as assessed by the two self-monitoring digital devices (Alleye App and AMD - A-Metamorphopsia-Detector software) at baseline, at 6 and 12 months and individual optional visits in between. Secondary outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity and morphological parameters (including disease activity) as evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Location of mCNV was graded using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid overlay. A usability questionnaire was administered at 12 months. Bland-Altman plots evaluated the limits of agreement of both devices. Linear regression analysis assessed the correlation between the difference and the average of the two scores. Results A total of 202 tests were performed. Disease activity of mCNV was observed at least once in 14 eyes. Both scores concordantly detected metamorphopsia exhibiting a displaced scale of measurement yielding a coefficient of determination of 0.99. Concordance rate for pathological scores was 73.3%. Both scores were not significantly different in active and inactive mCNV. Overall, the usability scores were higher for the Alleye App than the AMD - A-Metamorphopsia-Detector software (4.61±0.56 vs 3.31±1.20; p<0.001). In subjects aged >75 years, scores were slightly lower (4.08±0.86 vs 2.97±1.16; p= 0.032). Conclusion Whilst both self-monitoring devices concordantly identified metamorphopsia, they might act as an adjunct to hospital visits, but due to slight reactivations in mCNV and presence of metamorphopsia also in inactive disease the ability of detecting early mCNV activity might be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hoffmann
- Medical Retina & Research Department, Vista Eye Clinic Binningen, Binningen, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Charité - Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller
- Medical Retina & Research Department, Vista Eye Clinic Binningen, Binningen, Switzerland
- Department for Health Sciences, Donau University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Lucas M Bachmann
- Oculocare Medical, Medignition AG, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Katja Hatz
- Medical Retina & Research Department, Vista Eye Clinic Binningen, Binningen, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: Katja Hatz, Vista Augenklinik, Hauptstrasse 55, Binningen, 4102, Switzerland, Tel +41 61 426 60 79, Fax +41 61 426 60 01, Email ;
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10
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O’Connor SR, Treanor C, Ward E, Wickens RA, O’Connell A, Culliford LA, Rogers CA, Gidman EA, Peto T, Knox PC, Burton BJL, Lotery AJ, Sivaprasad S, Reeves BC, Hogg RE, Donnelly M. Patient Acceptability of Home Monitoring for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Reactivation: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13714. [PMID: 36294292 PMCID: PMC9603709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a chronic, progressive condition and the commonest cause of visual disability in older adults. This study formed part of a diagnostic test accuracy study to quantify the ability of three index home monitoring (HM) tests (one paper-based and two digital tests) to identify reactivation in nAMD. The aim of this qualitative research was to investigate patients' or participants' views about acceptability and explore adherence to weekly HM. Semi-structured interviews were held with 78/297 participants (26%), with close family members (n = 11) and with healthcare professionals involved in training participants in HM procedures (n = 9) (n = 98 in total). A directed thematic analytical approach was applied to the data using a deductive and inductive coding framework informed by theories of technology acceptance. Five themes emerged related to: 1. The role of HM; 2. Suitability of procedures and instruments; 3. Experience of HM; 4. Feasibility of HM in usual practice; and 5. Impediments to patient acceptability of HM. Various factors influenced acceptability including a patient's understanding about the purpose of monitoring. While initial training and ongoing support were regarded as essential for overcoming unfamiliarity with use of digital technology, patients viewed HM as relatively straightforward and non-burdensome. There is a need for further research about how use of performance feedback, level of support and nature of tailoring might facilitate further the implementation of routinely conducted HM. Home monitoring was acceptable to patients and they recognised its potential to reduce clinic visits during non-active treatment phases. Findings have implications for implementation of digital HM in the care of older people with nAMD and other long-term conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán R. O’Connor
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Charlene Treanor
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ward
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Robin A. Wickens
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Abby O’Connell
- Exeter Clinical Trials Unit (EXECTU), University of Exeter, St. Lukes Campus, Exeter EX1 2LT, UK
| | - Lucy A. Culliford
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Chris A. Rogers
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Eleanor A. Gidman
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Tunde Peto
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Paul C. Knox
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | | | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Barnaby C. Reeves
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Ruth E. Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Michael Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
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11
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Abdulhussein D, Abdul Hussein M, Szymanka M, Farag S. A systematic review of the current availability of mobile applications in eyecare practices. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 33:11206721221131397. [PMID: 36199266 PMCID: PMC9999269 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221131397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing shift towards non-communicable eye diseases (NCEDs) because of a demographic transition. Incorporation of telemedicine into everyday clinical practice is becoming increasingly popular. We sought to carry out a systematic review to look at which applications on portable devices are available for use in eyecare practices for patients with NCEDs, specifically refractive error, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. METHODS Pubmed, EMBASE, Medline, PsychInfo databases were systematically searched using keywords and MeSH terms. Eligible articles included peer-reviewed, original full text articles evaluating apps for use on portable devices aimed at patients with NCEDs. RESULTS The initial search yielded 100 studies. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and an additional eight studies were identified through reference screening. Of the included studies, 29.4%% (n = 5) evaluated applications aimed for use to identify refractive errors, 35.3% (n = 6) aimed at patients with glaucoma, 23.5% (n = 4) for use by patients with AMD, 11.7% (n = 2) for the non-specific monitoring of visual acuity/fields. 76.5% (n = 13) of the studies showed that the application evaluated was an effective and reliable tool compared to clinical standards. CONCLUSIONS Portable device applications in patients with NCED have been shown to be effective. The use of these apps for patients is limited to either diagnostic or monitoring use. There is scope for apps which encompass other aspects of patient care that have been used in other specialties that may be applied to ophthalmic patients, including those with an educational aim which have a role in increasing compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Abdulhussein
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - M Szymanka
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Farag
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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12
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Kielwasser G, Kodjikian L, Dot C, Burillon C, Denis P, Mathis T. Real-Life Value of the Odysight ® Application in At-Home Screening for Exudative Recurrence of Macular Edema. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175010. [PMID: 36078941 PMCID: PMC9457015 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to describe the value of the Odysight® application in addition to a classical follow-up regimen in the detection of exudative recurrences in patients with macular edema. Methods: We conducted an observational, multicenter, retrospective study. The Odysight® application includes a visual acuity (VA) test that can lead to alerts in case of a drop of >5 VA letters on two successive tests. The efficacy of the alerts in detecting exudative recurrence was studied. Results: A total of 149 eyes of 123 patients were included. The sensitivity of alerts for the detection of recurrence was 30.8% (95% CI [17.6; 44.0]) and its specificity was 83.7% (95% CI [73.2; 94.3]. A better baseline VA was found to be significantly associated with a better retention of the application (OR = 0.05, 95% CI [0.002; 0.62]; p = 0.045). Of the 12/39 alerts that detected a recurrence, eight (20.5% of all alerts) resulted in the scheduling or advancement of an intravitreal injection. Conclusions: In the present study, the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the Odysight® application seems low but its use in addition to the usual follow-up of the patient can detect, in certain cases, an early recurrence and thus allow an anticipated readjustment of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier Kielwasser
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Laurent Kodjikian
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- Laboratoire UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Corinne Dot
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital D’instruction des Armées Desgenettes, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Carole Burillon
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Denis
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - Thibaud Mathis
- Service d’Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- Laboratoire UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-4-26-10-93-21
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13
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Jeffrey BG, Flynn OJ, Huryn LA, Pfau M, Cukras CA. Scotopic Contour Deformation Detection Reveals Early Rod Dysfunction in Age-Related Macular Degeneration With and Without Reticular Pseudodrusen. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:23. [PMID: 35749129 PMCID: PMC9234356 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.6.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate scotopic contour deformation detection (sCDD), and its structural determinants, in participants with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) with or without reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). Methods Forty-one participants (aged 58–89 years), including 9 with iAMD and RPD, 16 with iAMD only, and 16 controls, underwent functional testing. The sCDD was evaluated with radial frequency arcs presented at 4 loci: ±4 degrees and 8 degrees vertical eccentricity. Scotopic thresholds and dark adaptation (DA) were measured at the same loci. Retinal layers of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volume scans were segmented. To establish the concurrent validity of the functional test, we evaluated the fraction of variability in sCDD thresholds explained by SD-OCT data. Results The iAMD group had significantly worse sCDD thresholds compared with controls (8 degrees inferior retina: P = 0.004 and the 4 degrees loci: P < 0.02 for both). Elevated sCDD thresholds were observed in iAMD and RPD eyes at loci with normal scotopic thresholds; the opposite was rarely encountered. Elevated sCDD thresholds were also observed in iAMD eyes with normal DA. Elevated sCDD thresholds were associated with increased age and presence of late AMD in the fellow eye. The optimal machine learning model predicted 16% of variability (cross-validated R2) in sCDD thresholds at 8 degrees. Discussion A novel scotopic contour deformation task can provide unique information about rod dysfunction in participants with iAMD and RPD not observed with structural and other functional assessments. Rod dysfunction observed with scotopic contour deformation testing was associated with factors linked to risk of AMD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett G Jeffrey
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Oliver J Flynn
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Laryssa A Huryn
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Maximilian Pfau
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States.,University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Catherine A Cukras
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
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14
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Gross N, Bachmann LM, Islam M, Faes L, Schmid MK, Thiel MA, Schimel A, Sim DA. Visual outcomes and treatment adherence of patients with macular pathology using a mobile hyperacuity home-monitoring app: a matched-pair analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e056940. [PMID: 34949632 PMCID: PMC9066342 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We compared patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD), diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and other macular pathologies testing their vision with the hyperacuity home-monitoring app Alleye to patients not performing home-monitoring regarding clinical outcomes and clinical management. DESIGN Matched-pair analysis. SETTING Retina Referral Centre, Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS For each eye using Alleye, we matched 2-4 controls not using home-monitoring based on age, gender, number of previous intravitreal injections (IVI), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters), central macular thickness (CRT) and time point of enrolment, using the Mahalanobis distance matching algorithm. We included 514 eyes (288 patients); 107 eyes with nvAMD using home monitoring and 218 controls not using home monitoring, 25 eyes with DMO (n=52 controls) and 40 eyes with miscellaneous conditions (n=72 controls). 173 eyes (33.7%) received no IVI during follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Improvement of ≥5 letters, number of injection visits and treatment retention after correcting for differences in baseline characteristics with multivariate analyses. RESULTS The mean follow-up duration was 809 days (range 147-1353) and the mean number of IVI/year among treated eyes was 6.7 (SD 3.1). Mean age at baseline was 70.4 years (SD 10.9), BCVA was 77.6 letters (SD 11.6) and CRT was 263.6 µm (SD 86.7) and was similar between patients using and not using home monitoring. In multivariate analyses, patients using home monitoring had a higher chance to improve visual acuity by ≥5 letters (OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.76; p=0.044)) than controls. Treated eyes using home monitoring had less injection visits/year (-0.99 (95% CI -1.59 to -0.40; p=0.001)) and a longer treatment retention +69.2 days (95% CI 2.4 to 136.0; p=0.042). These effects were similar across retinal pathologies. CONCLUSIONS This data suggest that patients capable of performing mobile hyperacuity home monitoring benefit in terms of visual acuity and discontinue treatment less often than patients not using home monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Gross
- Eye Clinic, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas M Bachmann
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Research, Medignition AG, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Meriam Islam
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Medical Retina Department, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Livia Faes
- Medical Retina Department, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Eye Clinic, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Andrew Schimel
- Center for Excellence in Eye Care, University of Miami Department of Ophthalmology, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dawn A Sim
- Medical Retina Department, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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15
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Korot E, Pontikos N, Drawnel FM, Jaber A, Fu DJ, Zhang G, Miranda MA, Liefers B, Glinton S, Wagner SK, Struyven R, Kilduff C, Moshfeghi DM, Keane PA, Sim DA, Thomas PBM, Balaskas K. Enablers and Barriers to Deployment of Smartphone-Based Home Vision Monitoring in Clinical Practice Settings. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 140:153-160. [PMID: 34913967 PMCID: PMC8678899 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.5269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Question What are the enablers and barriers of patient engagement for app-based home vision monitoring at scale? Findings In this cohort and survey study including 417 adults, 258 patients were active users (61.9%) of whom 166 patients (64.3%) were compliant users. Engagement was positively associated with higher comfort with technology, White British ethnicity, visual acuity, neovascular age-related macular degeneration diagnosis, and the number of intravitreal injections and was negatively associated with increased age. Meaning These findings suggest effective smartphone app-based home vision monitoring should address the risk factors for low engagement and digital exclusion during clinical practice setting deployment. Importance Telemedicine is accelerating the remote detection and monitoring of medical conditions, such as vision-threatening diseases. Meaningful deployment of smartphone apps for home vision monitoring should consider the barriers to patient uptake and engagement and address issues around digital exclusion in vulnerable patient populations. Objective To quantify the associations between patient characteristics and clinical measures with vision monitoring app uptake and engagement. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort and survey study, consecutive adult patients attending Moorfields Eye Hospital receiving intravitreal injections for retinal disease between May 2020 and February 2021 were included. Exposures Patients were offered the Home Vision Monitor (HVM) smartphone app to self-test their vision. A patient survey was conducted to capture their experience. App data, demographic characteristics, survey results, and clinical data from the electronic health record were analyzed via regression and machine learning. Main Outcomes and Measures Associations of patient uptake, compliance, and use rate measured in odds ratios (ORs). Results Of 417 included patients, 236 (56.6%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 72.8 (12.8) years. A total of 258 patients (61.9%) were active users. Uptake was negatively associated with age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.998; P = .02) and positively associated with both visual acuity in the better-seeing eye (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .01) and baseline number of intravitreal injections (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P = .02). Of 258 active patients, 166 (64.3%) fulfilled the definition of compliance. Compliance was associated with patients diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.07-3.53; P = .002), White British ethnicity (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.96-3.01; P = .02), and visual acuity in the better-seeing eye at baseline (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .04). Use rate was higher with increasing levels of comfort with use of modern technologies (β = 0.031; 95% CI, 0.007-0.055; P = .02). A total of 119 patients (98.4%) found the app either easy or very easy to use, while 96 (82.1%) experienced increased reassurance from using the app. Conclusions and Relevance This evaluation of home vision monitoring for patients with common vision-threatening disease within a clinical practice setting revealed demographic, clinical, and patient-related factors associated with patient uptake and engagement. These insights inform targeted interventions to address risks of digital exclusion with smartphone-based medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Korot
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Faye M Drawnel
- Personalised Healthcare Ophthalmology, F. Hoffmann La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aljazy Jaber
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dun Jack Fu
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gongyu Zhang
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco A Miranda
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,Personalised Healthcare Ophthalmology, Roche Products, Welwyn Gardens City, United Kingdom
| | - Bart Liefers
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Glinton
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siegfried K Wagner
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robbert Struyven
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Kilduff
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pearse A Keane
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn A Sim
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B M Thomas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Wong YL, Noor M, James KL, Aslam TM. Ophthalmology Going Greener: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2021; 10:845-857. [PMID: 34633635 PMCID: PMC8502635 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-021-00404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined effects of fossil fuel combustion, mass agricultural production and deforestation, industrialisation and the evolution of modern transport systems have resulted in high levels of carbon emissions and accumulation of greenhouse gases, causing profound climate change and ozone layer depletion. The consequential depletion of Earth's natural ecosystems and biodiversity is not only a devastating loss but a threat to human health. Sustainability-the ability to continue activities indefinitely-underpins the principal solutions to these problems. Globally, the healthcare sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, with waste production and transport systems being amongst the highest contributing factors. The aim of this review is to explore modalities by which the healthcare sector, particularly ophthalmology, can reduce carbon emissions, related costs and overall environmental impact, whilst maintaining a high standard of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Ling Wong
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maha Noor
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine L James
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Tariq M Aslam
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Nikolaidou A, Tsaousis KT. Teleophthalmology and Artificial Intelligence As Game Changers in Ophthalmic Care After the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2021; 13:e16392. [PMID: 34408945 PMCID: PMC8363234 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has boosted a sudden demand for telemedicine due to quarantine and travel restrictions. The exponential increase in the use of telemedicine is expected to affect ophthalmology drastically. The aim of this review is to discuss the utility, effectiveness and challenges of teleophthalmological new tools for eyecare delivery as well as its implementation and possible facilitation with artificial intelligence. We used the terms: “teleophthalmology,” “telemedicine and COVID-19,” “retinal diseases and telemedicine,” “virtual ophthalmology,” “cost effectiveness of teleophthalmology,” “pediatric teleophthalmology,” “Artificial intelligence and ophthalmology,” “Glaucoma and teleophthalmology” and “teleophthalmology limitations” in the database of PubMed and selected the articles being published in the course of 2015-2020. After the initial search, 321 articles returned as relevant. A meticulous screening followed and eventually 103 published manuscripts were included and used as our references. Emerging in the market, teleophthalmology is showing great potential for the future of ophthalmological care, benefiting both patients and ophthalmologists in times of pandemics. The spectrum of eye diseases that could benefit from teleophthalmology is wide, including mostly retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration but also glaucoma and anterior segment conditions. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence provides ways of implementing teleophthalmology easier and with better outcomes, contributing as significant changing factors for ophthalmology practice after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nikolaidou
- Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
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18
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Tseng RMWW, Tham YC, Rim TH, Cheng CY. Emergence of non-artificial intelligence digital health innovations in ophthalmology: A systematic review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 49:741-756. [PMID: 34235833 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The prominent rise of digital health in ophthalmology is evident in the current age of Industry 4.0. Despite the many facets of digital health, there has been a greater slant in interest and focus on artificial intelligence recently. Other major elements of digital health like wearables could also substantially impact patient-focused outcomes but have been relatively less explored and discussed. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the use of non-artificial intelligence digital health tools in ophthalmology. 53 papers were included in this systematic review - 25 papers discuss virtual or augmented reality, 14 discuss mobile applications and 14 discuss wearables. Most papers focused on the use of technologies to detect or rehabilitate visual impairment, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Overall, the findings on patient-focused outcomes with the adoption of these technologies are encouraging. Further validation, large-scale studies and earlier consideration of real-world barriers are warranted to enable better real-world implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yih-Chung Tham
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tyler Hyungtaek Rim
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ching-Yu Cheng
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
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19
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Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema pathways and management: UK Consensus Working Group. Eye (Lond) 2021; 34:1-51. [PMID: 32504038 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-0961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has evolved considerably over the past decade, with the availability of new technologies (diagnostic and therapeutic). As such, the existing Royal College of Ophthalmologists DR Guidelines (2013) are outdated, and to the best of our knowledge are not under revision at present. Furthermore, there are no other UK guidelines covering all available treatments, and there seems to be significant variation around the UK in the management of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). This manuscript provides a summary of reviews the pathogenesis of DR and DMO, including role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-VEGF cytokines, clinical grading/classification of DMO vis a vis current terminology (of centre-involving [CI-DMO], or non-centre involving [nCI-DMO], systemic risks and their management). The excellent UK DR Screening (DRS) service has continued to evolve and remains world-leading. However, challenges remain, as there are significant variations in equipment used, and reproducible standards of DMO screening nationally. The interphase between DRS and the hospital eye service can only be strengthened with further improvements. The role of modern technology including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide-field imaging, and working practices including virtual clinics and their potential in increasing clinic capacity and improving patient experiences and outcomes are discussed. Similarly, potential roles of home monitoring in diabetic eyes in the future are explored. The role of pharmacological (intravitreal injections [IVT] of anti-VEGFs and steroids) and laser therapies are summarised. Generally, IVT anti-VEGF are offered as first line pharmacologic therapy. As requirements of diabetic patients in particular patient groups may vary, including pregnant women, children, and persons with learning difficulties, it is important that DR management is personalised in such particular patient groups. First choice therapy needs to be individualised in these cases and may be intravitreal steroids rather than the standard choice of anti-VEGF agents. Some of these, but not all, are discussed in this document.
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Islam M, Sansome S, Das R, Lukic M, Chong Teo KY, Tan G, Balaskas K, Thomas PBM, Bachmann LM, Schimel AM, Sim DA. Smartphone-based remote monitoring of vision in macular disease enables early detection of worsening pathology and need for intravitreal therapy. BMJ Health Care Inform 2021; 28:bmjhci-2020-100310. [PMID: 34035050 PMCID: PMC8154994 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2020-100310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims To assess the outcomes of home monitoring of distortion caused by macular diseases using a smartphone-based application (app), and to examine them with hospital-based assessments of visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography-derived central macular thickness (CMT) and the requirement of intravitreal injection therapy. Design Observational study with retrospective analysis of data. Methods Participants were trained in the correct use of the app (Alleye, Oculocare, Zurich, Switzerland) in person or by using video and telephone consultations. Automated threshold-based alerts were communicated based on a traffic light system. A ‘threshold alarm’ was defined as three consecutive ‘red’ scores, and turned into a ‘persistent alarm’ if present for greater than a 7-day period. Changes of VA and CMT, and the requirement for intravitreal therapy after an alarm were examined. Results 245 patients performing a total of 11 592 tests (mean 46.9 tests per user) were included and 85 eyes (164 alarms) examined. Mean drop in VA from baseline was −4.23 letters (95% CI: −6.24 to −2.22; p<0.001) and mean increase in CMT was 29.5 µm (95% CI: −0.08 to 59.13; p=0.051). Sixty-six eyes (78.5%) producing alarms either had a drop in VA, increase in CMT or both and 60.0% received an injection. Eyes with persistent alarms had a greater loss of VA, −4.79 letters (95% CI: −6.73 to −2.85; p<0.001) or greater increase in CMT, +87.8 µm (95% CI: 5.2 to 170.4; p=0.038). Conclusion Smartphone-based self-tests for macular disease may serve as reliable indicators for the worsening of pathology and the need for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriam Islam
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stafford Sansome
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Radha Das
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marko Lukic
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kelvin Yi Chong Teo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Gavin Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter B M Thomas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lucas M Bachmann
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew M Schimel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Excellence in Eye Care, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dawn A Sim
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Guigou S, Michel T, Mérité PY, Coupier L, Meyer F. Home vision monitoring in patients with maculopathy: Real-life study of the OdySight application. J Fr Ophtalmol 2021; 44:873-881. [PMID: 34024655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The goal of the present study was to analyze the implementation and clinical efficacy of OdySight, a mobile medical application for the remote monitoring of patients with maculopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all, 60 patients with edematous maculopathies receiving traditional clinical treatment (PRN or Treat & Extend) were provided with OdySight to detect changes in visual acuity from home. To determine both the feasibility and reliability of the application, its use by patients (both testing and game play), as well as the processing of alerts by the clinical team, were analyzed during the first year. RESULTS The female-to-male ratio was 3:2, with a mean age of 64 years. 52% of patients presented with age-related macular degeneration, 31% with high myopia, 11% with retinal vein occlusion, and 6% with diabetic maculopathy. The conversion rate (defined as the percentage of patients completing at least one test following prescription) and the nine-month retention rate (percentage of active patients) were 61% and 24% respectively. Patients aged 50 to 70 years and those whose use of the app included game play represent 75% of active patients at 9 months. The 22 active patients performed 483 visual acuity tests, completed 1,667 game sessions, and underwent 77 in-person consultations. During the trial period, the clinical team processed 19 alerts, on average in fewer than 6 days. Decreases in visual acuity were detected with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 99%. DISCUSSION The use of connected and mobile devices today is widespread, as is interest in mobile medical applications. Long-term treatments for maculopathies can be a difficult burden to bear, both for patients and healthcare practitioners. Overcoming the challenges associated with the successful remote detection of recurrences thus represents a significant opportunity for improving patient care. The implementation of novel digital tools requires the cooperation of the clinical team as a whole, to both inform and motivate patients. OdySight demonstrates satisfactory detection rates, thanks to reliable and reproducible home testing, and can thus serve as a supplementary tool for patients whose consultations are often spaced several months apart. Implementation can be nonetheless improved by facilitating alert processing, a goal which necessitates active adaptation of clinical practices. In general, active patients were very satisfied with this personalized service. CONCLUSION Improved medical support, plus the amusing nature of the tests and games, both bolster long-term use of the OdySight app. The application allows for the remote monitoring of changes in visual acuity and affords patients and practitioners an added level of protection, particularly during long intervals between treatments and at the end of a treatment course. To ensure proper implementation, clinics should focus on reinforcing and modernizing the clinical pathway, from patient intake to the injection room.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Guigou
- Aix Vision, collectif P1,5, 44, avenue Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France.
| | - T Michel
- Service d'ophtalmologie, centre hospitalier du pays d'Aix, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - P-Y Mérité
- Aix Vision, collectif P1,5, 44, avenue Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - L Coupier
- Service d'ophtalmologie, centre hospitalier du pays d'Aix, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - F Meyer
- Aix Vision, collectif P1,5, 44, avenue Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France
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Li JPO, Liu H, Ting DSJ, Jeon S, Chan RVP, Kim JE, Sim DA, Thomas PBM, Lin H, Chen Y, Sakomoto T, Loewenstein A, Lam DSC, Pasquale LR, Wong TY, Lam LA, Ting DSW. Digital technology, tele-medicine and artificial intelligence in ophthalmology: A global perspective. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 82:100900. [PMID: 32898686 PMCID: PMC7474840 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The simultaneous maturation of multiple digital and telecommunications technologies in 2020 has created an unprecedented opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new models of care using tele-health supported by digital innovations. These digital innovations include artificial intelligence (AI), 5th generation (5G) telecommunication networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), creating an inter-dependent ecosystem offering opportunities to develop new models of eye care addressing the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond. Ophthalmology has thrived in some of these areas partly due to its many image-based investigations. Tele-health and AI provide synchronous solutions to challenges facing ophthalmologists and healthcare providers worldwide. This article reviews how countries across the world have utilised these digital innovations to tackle diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, refractive error correction, cataract and other anterior segment disorders. The review summarises the digital strategies that countries are developing and discusses technologies that may increasingly enter the clinical workflow and processes of ophthalmologists. Furthermore as countries around the world have initiated a series of escalating containment and mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of eye care services globally has been significantly impacted. As ophthalmic services adapt and form a "new normal", the rapid adoption of some of telehealth and digital innovation during the pandemic is also discussed. Finally, challenges for validation and clinical implementation are considered, as well as recommendations on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Peng Olivia Li
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanruo Liu
- Beijing Tongren Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology; Beijing, China
| | - Darren S J Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sohee Jeon
- Keye Eye Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Judy E Kim
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dawn A Sim
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B M Thomas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Haotian Lin
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Taiji Sakomoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Dennis S C Lam
- C-MER Dennis Lam Eye Center, C-Mer International Eye Care Group Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong; International Eye Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Tien Y Wong
- Singapore National Eye Center, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda A Lam
- USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S W Ting
- Singapore National Eye Center, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore.
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Hanumunthadu D, Adan K, Tinkler K, Balaskas K, Hamilton R, Nicholson L. Outcomes following implementation of a high-volume medical retina virtual clinic utilising a diagnostic hub during COVID-19. Eye (Lond) 2021; 36:627-633. [PMID: 33824508 PMCID: PMC8023775 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe the clinical outcomes following implementation of a high-volume medical retina virtual clinic utilising a diagnostic hub. METHODS Retrospective consecutive case-series of all patients attending the medical retina virtual clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital (City Road) for 6 weeks from September 21, 2020. RESULTS In 6 weeks, 1006 patients attended the medical retina virtual clinics, which included an appointment in the diagnostic hub followed by an assessment asynchronously the following working day. The vast majority of patients were follow-up attendances (969, 96.3%) with much fewer new patient attendances (37, 3.7%). The most common diagnoses made overall were diabetic retinopathy (457, 45.4%), age-related macular degeneration (208, 20.7%) and retinal vein occlusion (80, 8.0%). The majority of patient (643, 63.9%) outcomes were follow-up in the medical retina virtual clinics including 313 (31.1%) with OCT-only pathway and 330 (32.8%) with OCT and widefield fundus imaging. Routine follow-up requested after virtual assessment included 320 (31.8%) with a 3-4 month review and 267 (26.5%) with a 6 months assessment. Only 62 patients (6.2%) were asked to return for face-to-face assessment within 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS We describe a new high-volume medical retina virtual clinic utilising a diagnostic hub in which more than 1000 patients were seen and assessed asynchronously. Most patients were assessed as suitable for routine follow-up in this virtual pathway and only a small proportion required urgent reviews (within 2 weeks). In the COVID-19 era, this form of high-volume virtual clinic has the potential to review patients efficiently and safely.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khadra Adan
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kerry Tinkler
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Robin Hamilton
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke Nicholson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Gunasekeran DV, Tham YC, Ting DSW, Tan GSW, Wong TY. Digital health during COVID-19: lessons from operationalising new models of care in ophthalmology. LANCET DIGITAL HEALTH 2021; 3:e124-e134. [PMID: 33509383 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(20)30287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive disruptions within health care, both directly as a result of the infectious disease outbreak, and indirectly because of public health measures to mitigate against transmission. This disruption has caused rapid dynamic fluctuations in demand, capacity, and even contextual aspects of health care. Therefore, the traditional face-to-face patient-physician care model has had to be re-examined in many countries, with digital technology and new models of care being rapidly deployed to meet the various challenges of the pandemic. This Viewpoint highlights new models in ophthalmology that have adapted to incorporate digital health solutions such as telehealth, artificial intelligence decision support for triaging and clinical care, and home monitoring. These models can be operationalised for different clinical applications based on the technology, clinical need, demand from patients, and manpower availability, ranging from out-of-hospital models including the hub-and-spoke pre-hospital model, to front-line models such as the inflow funnel model and monitoring models such as the so-called lighthouse model for provider-led monitoring. Lessons learnt from operationalising these models for ophthalmology in the context of COVID-19 are discussed, along with their relevance for other specialty domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh V Gunasekeran
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yih-Chung Tham
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Daniel S W Ting
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Gavin S W Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tien Y Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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False alarms and the positive predictive value of smartphone-based hyperacuity home monitoring for the progression of macular disease: a prospective cohort study. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:3035-3040. [PMID: 33414531 PMCID: PMC7790308 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-01356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Home monitoring of hyperacuity allows early detection of progression in exudative neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). However, false alarms may pose a significant burden to both patients and healthcare professionals alike. Purpose To assess the false alarm rate and positive predictive value of smartphone-based home monitoring of nvAMD and DMO. Methods Patients treated with anti-angiogenic therapy in a pro re nata scheme for nvAMD or DMO at the Medical Retina service (Lucerne, Switzerland) between March and June 2016 were included in this prospective cohort study. The home monitoring test Alleye (Oculocare Ltd, Switzerland) provided a session score from 0–100 in addition to a traffic-light system feedback via the smartphone application. Three consecutive “red” scores were considered as a positive test or alarm signal. Specificity, 1-specificity (false alarm rate) and the predictive value for optical coherence tomography-based disease progression were analysed. Results 73 eyes of 56 patients performed 2258 tests in 222 “follow-up periods”. Progression was observed in 141 periods (63.5%). The specificity of the test was 93.8% (95% CI: 86.2–98.0%), the false alarm rate 6.1% (95% CI: 2.0–13.8%), and the positive predictive value 80.0% (95% CI: 59.3–93.2%) for the detection of progression. Conclusion False alarm rates for the detection of progression in macular disease via home monitoring is low. These findings suggest that home monitoring may be a useful adjunct for remote management of nvAMD and DMO.
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Sim SS, Yip MY, Wang Z, Tan ACS, Tan GSW, Cheung CMG, Chakravarthy U, Wong TY, Teo KYC, Ting DS. Digital Technology for AMD Management in the Post-COVID-19 New Normal. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2021; 10:39-48. [PMID: 33512827 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has put strain on healthcare systems and the availability and allocation of healthcare manpower, resources and infrastructure. With immediate priorities to protect the health and safety of both patients and healthcare service providers, ophthalmologists globally were advised to defer nonurgent cases, while at the same time managing sight-threatening conditions such as neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The management of AMD patients both from a monitoring and treatment perspective presents a particular challenge for ophthalmologists. This review looks at how these pressures have encouraged the acceptance and speed of adoption of digitalization. DESIGN AND METHODS A literature review was conducted on the use of digital technology during COVID-19 pandemic, and on the transformation of medicine, ophthalmology and AMD screening through digitalization. RESULTS In the management of AMD, the implementation of artificial intelligence and "virtual clinics" have provided assistance in screening, diagnosis, monitoring of the progression and the treatment of AMD. In addition, hardware and software developments in home monitoring devices has assisted in self-monitoring approaches. CONCLUSIONS Digitalization strategies and developments are currently ongoing and underway to ensure early detection, stability and visual improvement in patients suffering from AMD in this COVID-19 era. This may set a precedence for the post COVID-19 new normal where digital platforms may be routine, standard and expected in healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Sebastian Sim
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle Yt Yip
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhaoran Wang
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anna Cheng Sim Tan
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gavin Siew Wei Tan
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Queen's University of Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Yi Chong Teo
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Sw Ting
- Singapore National Eye Centre
- Singapore Eye Research Institute
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Claessens D, Schuster AK, Krüger RV, Liegl M, Singh L, Kirchhof B. Test-Retest-Reliability of Computer-Based Metamorphopsia Measurement in Macular Diseases. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2020; 238:703-710. [PMID: 33285595 DOI: 10.1055/a-1252-2910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the test-retest-reliability as one aspect of reliability of metamorphopsia measurements using a computer-based measuring method was determined in patients with macular diseases. Metamorphopsia amplitude, position, and area were quantified using AMD - A Metamorphopsia Detector software (app4eyes GmbH & Co. KG, Germany) in patients with diabetic, myopic, or uveitic macular edema, intermediate or neovascular age-associated macular degeneration, epiretinal membrane, vitelliform maculopathy, Irvine-Gass syndrome, or macular edema due to venous retinal occlusion. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated in order to determine the repeatability of two repeated measurements and was used as an indicator of the reliability of the measurements. In this study, metamorphopsia measurements were conducted on 36 eyes with macular diseases. Metamorphopsia measurements made using AMD - A Metamorphopsia Detector software were highly reliable and repeatable in patients with maculopathies. The intraclass correlation coefficient of all indices was excellent (0.95 - 0.97). For diseases of the vitreoretinal interface or macular diseases with intra- or subretinal edema, this metamorphopsia measurement represents a supplement for visual function testing in the clinic, as well as in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marian Liegl
- Humanmedizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Deutschland
| | - Laila Singh
- Max-Planck-Institut für Biologie des Alterns, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Bernd Kirchhof
- Abteilung für Netzhaut- und Glaskörper-Chirurgie, Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universität zu Köln, Deutschland
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Chandra A, Romano MR, Ting DS, Chao DL. Implementing the new normal in ophthalmology care beyond COVID-19. Eur J Ophthalmol 2020; 31:321-327. [PMID: 33225734 DOI: 10.1177/1120672120975331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the clinical landscape immeasurably. The need to physical distance requires rethinking how we deliver ophthalmic care. Within healthcare, we will need to focus our resources on the five T's: Utilising technology, multidisciplinary clinical teams with wide professional talents need to work efficiently to reduce patient contact time. With regular testing, this will allow us to reduce the risk further. We also must acknowledge the explosion of different modalities to train our future ophthalmologists and the global challenges and advantages that these bring. Finally, we must not forget the psychological impact that this pandemic will have on ophthalmologists and ancillary staff, and need to have robust mechanisms for support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Chandra
- Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Essex, UK
- Anglia Ruskin University, Essex, UK
| | - Mario R Romano
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Sw Ting
- Singapore National Eye Center, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Daniel L Chao
- Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Faes L, Rosenblatt A, Schwartz R, Touhami S, Ventura CV, Chatziralli IP, Ruiz-Medrano J, Vogt D, Savastano A, Ruiz-Garcia H, Pohlmann D, Loewenstein A. Overcoming barriers of retinal care delivery during a pandemic—attitudes and drivers for the implementation of digital health: a global expert survey. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:1738-1743. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background/AimsThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has imposed barriers to retinal care delivery worldwide. In this context, retinal services are exploring novel ways to ensure access to healthcare.MethodsWe conducted a worldwide survey among retinal specialists between March 31, 2020 and April 12, 2020. The expert survey was developed on the basis of focus group discussions involving retinal specialists and literature searches. It included 44 questions on alternative ways of care provision including digital health domains such as teleophthalmology, home monitoring or decentralised patient care.Results214 retinal experts participated in the survey, of which 120 (56.1%) had more than 15 years of experience in ophthalmology. Most participants were clinicians (n=158, 73.9%) practising in Western Europe (n=159, 74%). In the majority of institutions, teleophthalmology, home monitoring and decentralised patient care have not been implemented before the pandemic (n=46, 21.8.1%; n=64, 29.9%; n=38, 19.1%). During the pandemic, the use of teleophthalmology and home monitoring increased significantly (n=105, p<0.001; n=90, p<0.001). In the subgroup of institutions reporting no teleophthalmology service before and implementing a service during the pandemic (34/70, 48.6%), reimbursement was the sole significant parameter (OR 9.62 (95% CI 2.42 to 38.16); p<0.001).ConclusionDigital health is taking the centre stage tackling unpreceded challenges of retinal care delivery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and may sustainably change the way we practice ophthalmology.
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Faes L, Bachmann LM, Sim DA. Home monitoring as a useful extension of modern tele-ophthalmology. Eye (Lond) 2020; 34:1950-1953. [PMID: 32405047 PMCID: PMC7784909 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-0964-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Faes
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Dawn A Sim
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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