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Dolar-Szczasny J, Barańska A, Rejdak R. Evaluating the Efficacy of Teleophthalmology in Delivering Ophthalmic Care to Underserved Populations: A Literature Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093161. [PMID: 37176602 PMCID: PMC10179149 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Technological advancement has brought commendable changes in medicine, advancing diagnosis, treatment, and interventions. Telemedicine has been adopted by various subspecialties including ophthalmology. Over the years, teleophthalmology has been implemented in various countries, and continuous progress is being made in this area. In underserved populations, due to socioeconomic factors, there is little or no access to healthcare facilities, and people are at higher risk of eye diseases and vision impairment. Transportation is the major hurdle for these people in obtaining access to eye care in the main hospitals. There is a dire need for accessible eye care for such populations, and teleophthalmology is the ray of hope for providing eye care facilities to underserved people. Numerous studies have reported the advantages of teleophthalmology for rural populations such as being cost-effective, timesaving, reliable, efficient, and satisfactory for patients. Although it is being practiced in urban populations, for rural populations, its benefits amplify. However, there are certain obstacles as well, such as the cost of equipment, lack of steady electricity and internet supply in rural areas, and the attitude of people in certain regions toward acceptance of teleophthalmology. In this review, we have discussed in detail eye health in rural populations, teleophthalmology, and its effectiveness in rural populations of different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dolar-Szczasny
- Chair and Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Barańska
- Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics with E-Learning Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Chair and Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
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Mazzuca D, Borselli M, Gratteri S, Zampogna G, Feola A, Della Corte M, Guarna F, Scorcia V, Giannaccare G. Applications and Current Medico-Legal Challenges of Telemedicine in Ophthalmology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5614. [PMID: 35565003 PMCID: PMC9101177 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The digital revolution is redesigning the healthcare model, and telemedicine offers a good example of the best cost-effectiveness ratio. The COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed the use of the telemedicine. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss the role and the main applications of telemedicine in the ophthalmic clinical practice as well as the related medico-legal aspects. METHODS 45 original articles and 5 reviews focused on this topic and published in English language from 1997 and 2021 were searched on the online databases of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Embase, by using the following key words: "telemedicine", "privacy", "ophthalmology", "COVID-19" and "informed consent". RESULTS Telemedicine is able to guarantee patient care using information and communication technologies. Technology creates an opportunity to link doctors with the aim of assessing clinical cases and maintaining high standards of care while performing and saving time as well. Ophthalmology is one of the fields in which telemedicine is most commonly used for patient management. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine offers benefits to patients in terms of saving time and costs and avoiding physical contact; however, it is necessary to point out significant limitations such as the absence of physical examinations, the possibility of transmission failure and potential violations of privacy and confidentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mazzuca
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.M.); (S.G.); (M.D.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Santo Gratteri
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.M.); (S.G.); (M.D.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Giovanna Zampogna
- Department of Law, Economics and Human Sciences (DIGIES), Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Via dell’Università 25, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marcello Della Corte
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.M.); (S.G.); (M.D.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Francesca Guarna
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.M.); (S.G.); (M.D.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (V.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (V.S.)
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Yuen J, Pike S, Khachikyan S, Nallasamy S. Telehealth in Ophthalmology. Digit Health 2022. [DOI: 10.36255/exon-publications-digital-health-telehealth-ophthalmology] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Cui T, Yun D, Wu X, Lin H. Anterior Segment and Others in Teleophthalmology: Past, Present, and Future. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2021; 10:234-243. [PMID: 34224468 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Teleophthalmology, a subfield of telemedicine, has recently been widely applied in ophthalmic disease management, accelerated by ubiquitous connectivity via mobile computing and communication applications. Teleophthalmology has strengths in overcoming geographic barriers and broadening access to medical resources, as a supplement to face-to-face clinical settings. Eyes, especially the anterior segment, are one of the most researched superficial parts of the human body. Therefore, ophthalmic images, easily captured by portable devices, have been widely applied in teleophthalmology, boosted by advancements in software and hardware in recent years. This review aims to revise current teleophthalmology applications in the anterior segment and other diseases from a temporal and spatial perspective, and summarize common scenarios in teleophthalmology, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, postoperative follow-up, and tele-education of patients and clinical practitioners. Further, challenges in the current application of teleophthalmology and the future development of teleophthalmology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyuan Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Menzel-Severing J, Salla S, Geerling G. Eye Banks: Future Perspectives. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 238:674-678. [PMID: 34157769 DOI: 10.1055/a-1478-4277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Technological progress and societal change are transforming medicine, and cornea banks are no exception. New infectiological factors, statutory requirements, management concepts, globalisation and digitalisation are also influencing how such facilities will operate in the future. The goal of providing high quality material to patients with corneal disease remains unaltered. The present article seeks to shed light on the type of material this will involve and under what circumstances it is to be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabine Salla
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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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: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [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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Armstrong GW, Kalra G, De Arrigunaga S, Friedman DS, Lorch AC. Anterior Segment Imaging Devices in Ophthalmic Telemedicine. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 36:149-156. [PMID: 33656960 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1887899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Obtaining a clear assessment of the anterior segment is critical for disease diagnosis and management in ophthalmic telemedicine. The anterior segment can be imaged with slit lamp cameras, robotic remote controlled slit lamps, cell phones, cell phone adapters, digital cameras, and webcams, all of which can enable remote care. The ability of these devices to identify various ophthalmic diseases has been studied, including cataracts, as well as abnormalities of the ocular adnexa, cornea, and anterior chamber. This article reviews the current state of anterior segment imaging for the purpose of ophthalmic telemedical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grayson W Armstrong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gagan Kalra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sofia De Arrigunaga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David S Friedman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice C Lorch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Sommer AC, Blumenthal EZ. Telemedicine in ophthalmology in view of the emerging COVID-19 outbreak. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 258:2341-2352. [PMID: 32813110 PMCID: PMC7436071 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04879-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Technological advances in recent years have resulted in the development and implementation of various modalities and techniques enabling medical professionals to remotely diagnose and treat numerous medical conditions in diverse medical fields, including ophthalmology. Patients who require prolonged isolation until recovery, such as those who suffer from COVID-19, present multiple therapeutic dilemmas to their caregivers. Therefore, utilizing remote care in the daily workflow would be a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic ocular conditions in this challenging clinical setting. Our aim is to review the latest technological and methodical advances in teleophthalmology and highlight their implementation in screening and managing various ocular conditions. We present them as well as potential diagnostic and treatment applications in view of the recent SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak. Methods A computerized search from January 2017 up to March 2020 of the online electronic database PubMed was performed, using the following search strings: “telemedicine,” “telehealth,” and “ophthalmology.” More generalized complementary contemporary research data regarding the COVID-19 pandemic was also obtained from the PubMed database. Results A total of 312 records, including COVID-19-focused studies, were initially identified. After exclusion of non-relevant, non-English, and duplicate studies, a total of 138 records were found eligible. Ninety records were included in the final qualitative analysis. Conclusion Teleophthalmology is an effective screening and management tool for a range of adult and pediatric acute and chronic ocular conditions. It is mostly utilized in screening of retinal conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration; in diagnosing anterior segment condition; and in managing glaucoma. With improvements in image processing, and better integration of the patient’s medical record, teleophthalmology should become a more accepted modality, all the more so in circumstances where social distancing is inflicted upon us. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Adir C Sommer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, P.O.B 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eytan Z Blumenthal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, P.O.B 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel. .,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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