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Lozano AC, Serrano A, Salazar D, Rincón JV, Pardo Bayona M. Telemedicine for Screening and Follow-Up of Glaucoma: A Descriptive Study. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:1901-1908. [PMID: 38662524 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0676] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. It is a prevalent disease worldwide, affecting ∼70 million people and expected to reach up to 112 million by 2040. Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the implementation and initial experience of a telemedicine program to monitor glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients in a large, integrated health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective chart review of established glaucoma or glaucoma suspect patients who participated in a telemedicine evaluation at the ophthalmic center of a large, Colombian health care system between June 2020 and April 2023 was conducted. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were analyzed. Generated clinical orders for additional testing, surgical procedures, follow-ups, and referrals, as well as changes in medical treatment, were evaluated. Results: A total of 11,034 telemedicine consults were included. The mean ± standard deviation age of this group was 63 ± 17.2 years and 67% were female. Of the patients who attended teleconsults, 49% were glaucoma suspects and 38.5% were followed with a diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma. After the consult, 25% of patients were referred to a glaucoma specialist, 40% had additional testing ordered, and 8% had a surgical procedure ordered, mainly laser iridotomy (409 cases). Almost a third of patients returned for subsequent telemedicine visits after the initial encounter. Despite some technical difficulties, 99.8% of patients attended and completed their scheduled telemedicine appointments. Conclusions: A telemedicine program aimed to monitor established glaucoma patients can be successfully implemented. Established patients within an integrated health care system have high adherence to the virtual model. Further research by health care institutions and government agencies will be key to expand coverage to additional populations. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CEIFUS 1026-24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caycedo Lozano
- Oftalmosanitas-Clínica Colsanitas (Colsanitas Clinic), Bogotá, Colombia
- Member of Vision Colombia Research Group, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Serrano
- Clínica de Oftalmología San Diego (San Diego Ophthalmology Clinic), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Diana Salazar
- Ophthalmic Private Practice, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Juliana Vanessa Rincón
- Member of Vision Colombia Research Group, Bogota, Colombia
- Research Unit, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas (Unisanitas University), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mónica Pardo Bayona
- Member of Vision Colombia Research Group, Bogota, Colombia
- Research Unit, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas (Unisanitas University), Bogotá, Colombia
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Abore KW, Fole EB, Abebe MT, Tekle NF, Tilahun RB, Chinkey FD, Abera MT. Adherence and factors influencing adherence to glaucoma medications among adult glaucoma patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293047. [PMID: 38478513 PMCID: PMC10936902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraocular pressure is the only modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma. Raised intraocular pressure could cause progressive visual field loss and blindness if left uncontrolled. Adherence to ocular hypotensive medications is vital to prevent optic nerve damage and its consequences. This study was conducted to systematically summarize the magnitude of glaucoma medication adherence and factors influencing adherence to glaucoma medications among adult glaucoma patients in Ethiopia. METHODS Database searches to identify research articles were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, AJOL, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar without restriction on the date of publication. Data extraction was done using a data extraction Excel sheet. Analysis was performed using STATA version 16. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval using a random effect model were computed. RESULT We included six studies with a total of 2101 participants for meta-analysis. The magnitude of adherence to glaucoma medication was found to be 49.46% (95% CI [41.27-57.66]). Urban residents (OR = 1.89, 95% CI; 1.29-2.49) and those with normal visual acuity (OR = 2.82, 95% CI; 0.85-4.80) had higher odds of adherence to glaucoma medications. Patients who pay for the medications themselves (OR = 0.22, 95% CI; 0.09-0.34) were found to have 78% lower odds of adherence than their counterparts. CONCLUSION The magnitude of glaucoma medication adherence is lower than expected. Place of residence, visual acuity, and payment means had statistically significant associations with glaucoma medication adherence. Tailored health education on medication adherence and subsidization of glaucoma medication is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kibruyisfaw Weldeab Abore
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pediatrics, Yirgalem Hospital Medical College, Yirgalem, Sidama, Ethiopia
| | - Estifanos Bekele Fole
- Department of Medicine, Yirgalem Hospital Medical College, Yirgalem, Sidama, Ethiopia
| | - Mahlet Tesfaye Abebe
- Department of Medicine, Yirgalem Hospital Medical College, Yirgalem, Sidama, Ethiopia
| | - Natnael Fikadu Tekle
- Long Term Care Department, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Robel Bayou Tilahun
- Long Term Care Department, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Bragança CP, Torres JM, Macedo LO, Soares CPDA. Advancements in Glaucoma Diagnosis: The Role of AI in Medical Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:530. [PMID: 38473002 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050530] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The progress of artificial intelligence algorithms in digital image processing and automatic diagnosis studies of the eye disease glaucoma has been growing and presenting essential advances to guarantee better clinical care for the population. Given the context, this article describes the main types of glaucoma, traditional forms of diagnosis, and presents the global epidemiology of the disease. Furthermore, it explores how studies using artificial intelligence algorithms have been investigated as possible tools to aid in the early diagnosis of this pathology through population screening. Therefore, the related work section presents the main studies and methodologies used in the automatic classification of glaucoma from digital fundus images and artificial intelligence algorithms, as well as the main databases containing images labeled for glaucoma and publicly available for the training of machine learning algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clerimar Paulo Bragança
- ISUS Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of Southern Minas Gerais State, Rua Joaquim Rosa 14, Itanhandu 37464-000, MG, Brazil
| | - José Manuel Torres
- ISUS Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Laboratory, LIACC, University of Porto, 4100-000 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciano Oliveira Macedo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of Southern Minas Gerais State, Rua Joaquim Rosa 14, Itanhandu 37464-000, MG, Brazil
| | - Christophe Pinto de Almeida Soares
- ISUS Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Laboratory, LIACC, University of Porto, 4100-000 Porto, Portugal
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Lee L, Moo E, Angelopoulos T, Dodson S, Yashadhana A. Integrating eye care in low-income and middle-income settings: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068348. [PMID: 37236663 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Integrated people-centred eye care has been recommended as a strategic framework for reducing global vision impairment and blindness. The extent to which eye care has integrated with other services has not been widely reported. We aimed to investigate approaches to integrating eye care service delivery with other systems in low resource settings, and identify factors associated with integration. DESIGN Rapid scoping review based on Cochrane Rapid Review and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched in September 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Papers with interventions involving eye care or preventative eye care integrated into other health systems, peer-reviewed in English, conducted in low-income or middle-income countries, and published between January 2011 and September 2021 were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened, quality appraised and coded included papers. A deductive-inductive iterative analysis approach was used with a focus on integrating service delivery. RESULTS The search identified 3889 potential papers, of which 24 were included. Twenty papers incorporated more than one intervention type (promotion, prevention and/or treatment), but none included rehabilitation. Most articles involved human resources development yet rarely appeared to be people-centred. The level of integration was associated with building relationships and enhancing service coordination. Integrating human resources was challenged by the need for ongoing support and worker retention. In primary care settings, workers were often already at full capacity, had competing priorities, varying capabilities and limited motivation. Additional barriers included inadequate referral and information systems, poor supply chain management and procurement practices and finite financing. CONCLUSION Integrating eye care into low resource health systems is a challenging task, compounded by resource limitations, competing priorities and ongoing support needs. This review highlighted a need for people-centred approaches to future interventions, and further investigation into integrating vision rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lee
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elise Moo
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiffany Angelopoulos
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarity Dodson
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aryati Yashadhana
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Massie J, Block SS, Morjaria P. The Role of Optometry in the Delivery of Eye Care via Telehealth: A Systematic Literature Review. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1753-1763. [PMID: 35612473 PMCID: PMC9805855 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Optometrists are increasingly adopting teleoptometry as an approach to delivering eye care. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created further opportunities for optometrists to utilize innovation in telehealth to deliver eye care to individuals who experience access barriers. A systematic literature review is presented detailing the evidence to support the use of teleoptometry. Methods: Databases of MEDLINE, Global Health, and Web of Science were searched, and articles were included if they reported any involvement of optometrists in the delivery of telehealth. Findings were reported according to the mode of telehealth used to deliver eye care, telehealth collaboration type, and the format and geographical areas where eye care via telehealth is being delivered. Results: Twenty-seven relevant studies were identified. Only 11 studies included the role of optometrists as a member of the telehealth team where the scope of practice extended beyond creating and receiving referrals, collecting clinical data at in-person services, and continuing in-person care following consultation with an ophthalmologist. Both synchronous and asynchronous telehealth services were commonly utilized. Optometrists were most commonly involved in ophthalmology-led telehealth collaborations (n = 19). Eight studies reported optometrists independently delivering primary eye care via telehealth, and commonly included videoconferencing. Conclusion: The application of teleoptometry to deliver eye care is rapidly emerging, and appears to be a viable adjunct to the delivery of in-person optometry services. The review highlighted the scarcity of evidence surrounding the clinical benefits, safety, and outcomes of teleoptometry. Further research is required in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Massie
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Jessica Massie, BVisSci/MOptom, MScPHEC, International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priya Morjaria
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Telemedicine in Surgical Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. World J Surg 2022; 46:1855-1869. [PMID: 35428920 PMCID: PMC9012517 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Access to timely and quality surgical care is limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Telemedicine, defined as the remote provision of health care using information, communication and telecommunication platforms have the potential to address some of the barriers to surgical care. However, synthesis of evidence on telemedicine use in surgical care in LMICs is lacking. Aim To describe the current state of evidence on the use and distribution of telemedicine for surgical care in LMICs. Methods This was a scoping review of published and relevant grey literature on telemedicine use for surgical care in LMICs, following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews guideline. PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and African Journals Online databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy from 1 January 2010 to 28 February 2021. Results A total of 178 articles from 53 (38.7%) LMICs across 11 surgical specialties were included. The number of published articles increased from 2 in 2010 to 44 in 2020. The highest number of studies was from the World Health Organization Western Pacific region (n = 73; 41.0%) and of these, most were from China (n = 69; 94.5%). The most common telemedicine platforms used were telephone call (n = 71, 39.9%), video chat (n = 42, 23.6%) and WhatsApp/WeChat (n = 31, 17.4%). Telemedicine was mostly used for post-operative follow-up (n = 71, 39.9%), patient education (n = 32, 18.0%), provider training (n = 28, 15.7%) and provider-provider consultation (n = 16, 9.0%). Less than a third (n = 51, 29.1%) of the studies used a randomised controlled trial design, and only 23 (12.9%) reported effects on clinical outcomes. Conclusion Telemedicine use for surgical care is emerging in LMICs, especially for post-operative visits. Basic platforms such as telephone calls and 2-way texting were successfully used for post-operative follow-up and education. In addition, file sharing and video chatting options were added when a physical assessment was required. Telephone calls and 2-way texting platforms should be leveraged to reduce loss to follow-up of surgical patients in LMICs and their use for pre-operative visits should be further explored. Despite these telemedicine potentials, there remains an uneven adoption across several LMICs. Also, up to two-thirds of the studies were of low-to-moderate quality with only a few focusing on clinical effectiveness. There is a need to further adopt, develop, and validate telemedicine use for surgical care in LMICs, particularly its impact on clinical outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-022-06549-2.
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Liddy C, Guglani S, Ratzlaff T, Campbell RJ, Cranston L, Miville A, Hove MT, Keely E. Expanding the scope of an eConsult service: acceptability and feasibility of an optometry–ophthalmology pilot project. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 58:204-211. [PMID: 35131208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and acceptability of connecting optometrists to ophthalmologists on an eConsult service. DESIGN Descriptive analysis of utilization data and an anonymous survey. PARTICIPANTS All eConsult cases sent by optometrists between March 2019 and February 2020 (utilization data); optometrists and ophthalmologists participating in the eConsult Vision Pilot Project (survey). METHODS Utilization data for the study period were collected automatically and underwent descriptive analysis. Participating optometrists and ophthalmologists received an email invitation to a survey assessing the project. RESULTS Thirteen optometrists from 5 clinics in the southeast region and 7 ophthalmologists were recruited to participate in the pilot project. Optometrists sent 109 eConsults in a 13-month period, representing 33% of all cases submitted to ophthalmology through the eConsult service provincially (March 2019-March 2020). Sixty-eight percent of respondents to an anonymous online survey valued the recruitment and engagement of eye care professionals from the same health region. The influence of the eConsult service was reported to have a "somewhat positive" (27%) to "very positive" (50%) influence on the relationship between the two professional groups. CONCLUSION The eConsult Vision Pilot Project fills a gap in service and provides an opportunity for patients to get access to specialty advice. We demonstrated that allowing optometrists to solicit specialist advice from ophthalmologists was acceptable and feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- C. T. Lamont Primary Healthcare Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON; eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON.
| | - Sheena Guglani
- C. T. Lamont Primary Healthcare Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON; eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON
| | - Timothy Ratzlaff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queens University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON
| | - Robert J Campbell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queens University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON
| | - Lacey Cranston
- Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, Queen's University, Kingston, ON
| | - Andrea Miville
- eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON
| | - Martin Ten Hove
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queens University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON
| | - Erin Keely
- eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON; Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The field of teleglaucoma has expanded rapidly in recent years with several large-scale teleglaucoma screening programs in existence throughout the world. Additionally, teleglaucoma programs for use in disease management are under study. The limited access to care that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for expansion of such programs. This article reviews the literature on teleglaucoma for screening and management of glaucoma, discussing considerations for incorporating teleglaucoma into clinical practice. Recent Findings Teleglaucoma screening reduces the rate of false-positive referrals and can accurately screen at-risk populations with accuracy similar to in-person screening. The use of teleglaucoma for the management of glaucoma shows promise for low-risk patients with early disease. Furthermore, teleglaucoma is cost-effective and reduces travel burden for patients resulting in high patient satisfaction. Summary Teleglaucoma offers potential for improving access to glaucoma care, reducing the burden on patients and health care systems.
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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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Marco SA, Amin S, Virani A, Rudnisky CJ, Ishani S, Kiage D, Damji KF. Detecting Glaucoma in Rural Kenya: Results From a Teleglaucoma Pilot Project in Nyamira, Kenya. J Glaucoma 2021; 30:e99-e104. [PMID: 33449582 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PRECIS A teleglaucoma (TG) case-finding model was used in Kenya. Of the patients, 3.46% had definite glaucoma and 4.12% were glaucoma suspects. Most cases were of moderate to advanced stage and referred for further assessment. PURPOSE The aim was to evaluate glaucoma prevalence in a high-risk population using a TG model. METHODS Patients aged 35 or over were referred to the TG program from the outpatient diabetic and hypertensive clinics at Nyamira District Hospital (NDH) and from community awareness programs. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination included structured history, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, stereoptic nerve, and macular images. A glaucoma specialist provided diagnosis and management recommendation through virtual consultation. Glaucoma diagnosis and staging were based on at least 1 eye meeting the optic nerve criteria as specified by the Canadian glaucoma guidelines. RESULTS In all, 1206 participants were seen and 19 of these could not complete the examination. Of 1187 patients, 56% were women and the mean age was 56.60±12.36 years. Of the patients, 11.8% had images that were ungradable in at least 1 eye. The prevalence of glaucoma and glaucoma suspects was 3.46% (n=42) and 4.12% (n=50), respectively. The proportion of patients with early, moderate, advanced, and absolute glaucoma was 2.4%, 33.3%, 52.4%, and 2.4%, respectively. Other diagnoses (pathology in at least 1 eye) included cataract in 13.2%, diabetic retinopathy in 1.48%, and optic atrophy in 1.98%. Of the patients, 28.2% were referred to the Innovation Eye Centre, Kisii, for further assessment. CONCLUSION A structured TG program detected glaucoma in 3.46% of a rural Kenyan population. Timely patient referral was also initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A Marco
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nairobi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samreen Amin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
| | - Aleena Virani
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Dan Kiage
- Innovation Eye Centre Kisii, Kisii, Kenya
| | - Karim F Damji
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
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Chong JC, Tan CHN, Chen DZ. Teleophthalmology and its evolving role in a COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping
review. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2021. [DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Teleophthalmology may assist the healthcare sector in adapting to limitations imposed on
clinical practice by a viral pandemic. A scoping review is performed in this study to assess the current
applications of teleophthalmology for its suitability to diagnose, monitor or manage ophthalmological
conditions with accuracy.
Methods: A search of PubMed was conducted for teleophthalmology-related articles published from
1 January 2018 to 4 May 2020. Only articles that focused on the use of teleophthalmology in terms of
diagnosis and management, as well as its benefits and detriments, were included. The Mixed Methods
Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the included articles.
Results: A total of 38 articles were assessed at the full-text level. There were 2 qualitative studies and
1 quantitative randomised controlled trial, while the majority were either quantitative descriptive studies
(19, 50.0%) or quantitative non-randomised studies (16, 42.1%). Overall, 8 studies described reducing
manpower requirements, 4 described reducing direct patient–doctor contact, 17 described storage of
medical imaging and clinical data, and 9 described real-time teleconferencing. The MMAT analysis
revealed limitations in appropriate sampling strategy in both quantitative non-randomised studies (9 of
16, 56.3%) and quantitative descriptive studies (9 of 19, 47.4%). Cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology
was not performed in any included study.
Conclusion: This current review of the various aspects of teleophthalmology describes how it may
potentially assist the healthcare sector to cope with the limitations imposed by a viral pandemic through
technology. Further research is required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the various strategies.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, health informatics, ophthalmology, teleconsultation, telemedicine
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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: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [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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