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Biousse V, Najjar RP, Tang Z, Lin MY, Wright DW, Keadey MT, Wong TY, Bruce BB, Milea D, Newman NJ. Application of a Deep Learning System to Detect Papilledema on Nonmydriatic Ocular Fundus Photographs in an Emergency Department. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 261:199-207. [PMID: 37926337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.10.025] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Fundus photography vs Ophthalmoscopy Trial Outcomes in the Emergency Department (FOTO-ED) studies showed that ED providers poorly recognized funduscopic findings in patients in the ED. We tested a modified version of the Brain and Optic Nerve Study Artificial Intelligence (BONSAI) deep learning system on nonmydriatic fundus photographs from the FOTO-ED studies to determine if the deep learning system could have improved the detection of papilledema had it been available to ED providers as a real-time diagnostic aid. DESIGN Retrospective secondary analysis of a cohort of patients included in the FOTO-ED studies. METHODS The testing data set included 1608 photographs obtained from 828 patients in the FOTO-ED studies. Photographs were reclassified according to the optic disc classification system used by the deep learning system ("normal optic discs," "papilledema," and "other optic disc abnormalities"). The system's performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity using a 1-vs-rest strategy, with reference to expert neuro-ophthalmologists. RESULTS The BONSAI deep learning system successfully distinguished normal from abnormal optic discs (AUC 0.92 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.90-0.93]; sensitivity 75.6% [73.7%-77.5%] and specificity 89.6% [86.3%-92.8%]), and papilledema from normal and others (AUC 0.97 [0.95-0.99]; sensitivity 84.0% [75.0%-92.6%] and specificity 98.9% [98.5%-99.4%]). Six patients with missed papilledema in 1 eye were correctly identified by the deep learning system as having papilledema in the other eye. CONCLUSIONS The BONSAI deep learning system was able to reliably identify papilledema and normal optic discs on nonmydriatic photographs obtained in the FOTO-ED studies. Our deep learning system has excellent potential as a diagnostic aid in EDs and non-ophthalmology clinics equipped with nonmydriatic fundus cameras. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Biousse
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (V.B., M.Y.L., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Neurology (V.B., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Raymond P Najjar
- Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre (R.P.N., Z.T., T.Y.W., D.M.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School (R.P.N., T.Y.W., D.M.), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Eye N' Brain Research Group (R.P.N.), Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Center for Innovation and Precision Eye Health (R.P.N.), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiqun Tang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre (R.P.N., Z.T., T.Y.W., D.M.), Singapore
| | - Mung Yan Lin
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (V.B., M.Y.L., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David W Wright
- Department of Emergency Medicine (D.W.W., M.T.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew T Keadey
- Department of Emergency Medicine (D.W.W., M.T.K.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tien Y Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre (R.P.N., Z.T., T.Y.W., D.M.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School (R.P.N., T.Y.W., D.M.), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tsinghua Medicine (T.Y.W.), Tsinghua University, China
| | - Beau B Bruce
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (V.B., M.Y.L., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Neurology (V.B., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Rollins School of Public Health (B.B.B.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dan Milea
- Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre (R.P.N., Z.T., T.Y.W., D.M.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School (R.P.N., T.Y.W., D.M.), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nancy J Newman
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (V.B., M.Y.L., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Neurology (V.B., B.B.B., N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery (N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Wagner SK, Raja L, Cortina-Borja M, Huemer J, Struyven R, Keane PA, Balaskas K, Sim DA, Thomas PBM, Rahi JS, Solebo AL, Kang S. Determinants of non-attendance at face-to-face and telemedicine ophthalmic consultations. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:625-632. [PMID: 37217292 PMCID: PMC10958256 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Evaluation of telemedicine care models has highlighted its potential for exacerbating healthcare inequalities. This study seeks to identify and characterise factors associated with non-attendance across face-to-face and telemedicine outpatient appointments. METHODS A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary-level ophthalmic institution in the UK, between 1 January 2019 and 31 October 2021. Logistic regression modelled non-attendance against sociodemographic, clinical and operational exposure variables for all new patient registrations across five delivery modes: asynchronous, synchronous telephone, synchronous audiovisual and face to face prior to the pandemic and face to face during the pandemic. RESULTS A total of 85 924 patients (median age 55 years, 54.4% female) were newly registered. Non-attendance differed significantly by delivery mode: (9.0% face to face prepandemic, 10.5% face to face during the pandemic, 11.7% asynchronous and 7.8%, synchronous during pandemic). Male sex, greater levels of deprivation, a previously cancelled appointment and not self-reporting ethnicity were strongly associated with non-attendance across all delivery modes. Individuals identifying as black ethnicity had worse attendance in synchronous audiovisual clinics (adjusted OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.59 to 11.28) but not asynchronous. Those not self-reporting their ethnicity were from more deprived backgrounds, had worse broadband access and had significantly higher non-attendance across all modes (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION Persistent non-attendance among underserved populations attending telemedicine appointments highlights the challenge digital transformation faces for reducing healthcare inequalities. Implementation of new programmes should be accompanied by investigation into the differential health outcomes of vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried K Wagner
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Laxmi Raja
- Digital Clinical Laboratory, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mario Cortina-Borja
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Josef Huemer
- Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robbert Struyven
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pearse A Keane
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dawn A Sim
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL, London, UK
| | - Peter B M Thomas
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL, London, UK
| | - Jugnoo S Rahi
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Ophthamology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ameenat Lola Solebo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Ophthamology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Swan Kang
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Adnexal department, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Lieng MK, Emami-Naeini P, Lee SC, Alber S, Yiu G. Teleophthalmology provides earlier eye care access for patients with newly-diagnosed diabetes. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25845. [PMID: 38384560 PMCID: PMC10878910 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25845] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Timely diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is important in preventing vision loss. This study aims to determine if remote retinal imaging enables earlier eye care access among newly-diagnosed diabetic patients. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Using the OptumLabs® Data Warehouse - a longitudinal, real-world dataset containing deidentified administrative claims and electronic health record (EHR) data, we included 968 846 adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and at least 1 year of continuous enrollment. We compared time from initial diabetes diagnosis to first eye exam by remote screening or in-person eye exam. Results We found that at year 1 after diagnosis, 5459 (0.56%) patients underwent remote imaging and 208 023 (21.5%) underwent in-person exam. The mean (95% CI) time to eye exam was 3.48 (3.38-3.58) months for remote imaging and 4.22 (4.20-4.23) months for in-person visits (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, 27.5% of remote screenings were performed on the same day of diabetes diagnosis. Excluding same-day encounters, mean time to eye exam was 4.80 (4.68-4.91) months for remote imaging and 4.85 (4.83-4.86) months for in-person eyecare (p = 0.4). Conclusions Thus, teleophthalmology may enable earlier eye care access among patients with newly-diagnosed diabetes, primarily with same-day screenings. Increased adoption of teleretinal screening may enable earlier detection of diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica K. Lieng
- Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Parisa Emami-Naeini
- Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sophie C. Lee
- Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan Alber
- Department of Public Health Sciences / Biostatistics, Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Glenn Yiu
- Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Borges do Nascimento IJ, Abdulazeem H, Vasanthan LT, Martinez EZ, Zucoloto ML, Østengaard L, Azzopardi-Muscat N, Zapata T, Novillo-Ortiz D. Barriers and facilitators to utilizing digital health technologies by healthcare professionals. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:161. [PMID: 37723240 PMCID: PMC10507089 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital technologies change the healthcare environment, with several studies suggesting barriers and facilitators to using digital interventions by healthcare professionals (HPs). We consolidated the evidence from existing systematic reviews mentioning barriers and facilitators for the use of digital health technologies by HP. Electronic searches were performed in five databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase®, Epistemonikos, MEDLINE®, and Scopus) from inception to March 2023. We included reviews that reported barriers or facilitators factors to use technology solutions among HP. We performed data abstraction, methodological assessment, and certainty of the evidence appraisal by at least two authors. Overall, we included 108 reviews involving physicians, pharmacists, and nurses were included. High-quality evidence suggested that infrastructure and technical barriers (Relative Frequency Occurrence [RFO] 6.4% [95% CI 2.9-14.1]), psychological and personal issues (RFO 5.3% [95% CI 2.2-12.7]), and concerns of increasing working hours or workload (RFO 3.9% [95% CI 1.5-10.1]) were common concerns reported by HPs. Likewise, high-quality evidence supports that training/educational programs, multisector incentives, and the perception of technology effectiveness facilitate the adoption of digital technologies by HPs (RFO 3.8% [95% CI 1.8-7.9]). Our findings showed that infrastructure and technical issues, psychological barriers, and workload-related concerns are relevant barriers to comprehensively and holistically adopting digital health technologies by HPs. Conversely, deploying training, evaluating HP's perception of usefulness and willingness to use, and multi-stakeholders incentives are vital enablers to enhance the HP adoption of digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Júnior Borges do Nascimento
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226-3522, USA
| | - Hebatullah Abdulazeem
- Department of Sport and Health Science, Techanische Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
| | - Lenny Thinagaran Vasanthan
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632004, India
| | - Edson Zangiacomi Martinez
- Department of Social Medicine and Biostatistics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Miriane Lucindo Zucoloto
- Department of Social Medicine and Biostatistics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Lasse Østengaard
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University Library of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5230, Denmark
| | - Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Tomas Zapata
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - David Novillo-Ortiz
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
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Chung RT, Legault GL, Stowe JS, Miller KE, Moccia MA, Cooper MR, Little JR, Gensheimer WG. Applying a Military Teleophthalmology Mobile App in a Noncombat Emergent Care Setting. Mil Med 2023; 188:e2909-e2915. [PMID: 36394286 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac345] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Teleophthalmology has a natural role in the military due to the inherent organization of its medical system, which provides care to patients in remote locations around the world. Improving access to ophthalmic care enhances force readiness because ocular trauma and disease can cause vision impairment or blindness and can occur anywhere service members are located. Recently, a secure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant mobile phone application (app) for teleophthalmology called Forward Operating Base Expert Telemedicine Resource Utilizing Mobile Application for Trauma (FOXTROT) was beta tested in Afghanistan and demonstrated that this solution can improve and extend ophthalmic care in a deployed environment. There are few civilian or military teleophthalmology solutions for ocular trauma and disease in an urgent or emergent ophthalmic care setting. Civilian teleophthalmology solutions have largely been developed for disease-specific models of care. In this work, we address this gap by testing the FOXTROT app in a non-deployed, emergent care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the use of the teleophthalmology mobile phone app (FOXTROT) in a non-deployed military setting at the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Consults from the emergent care center were placed by providers using the app, and the on-call ophthalmologist responded with treatment and management recommendations. The primary outcomes were response within the requested time, visual acuity tested in both eyes, agreement between the teleophthalmology and the final diagnosis, and the number of communication or technical errors that prevented the completion of consults. The secondary outcomes were average response time and the number of consults uploaded to the medical record. RESULTS From October 2020 to January 2022, 109 consults were received. Ten consults had communication or technical errors that prevented the completion of consults within the app and were excluded from the analysis of completed consults. Of the 99 completed consults, responses were given within the requested time in 95 (96.0%), with the average response time in 11 minutes 48 seconds (95% confidence interval, 8 minutes 57 seconds to 14 minutes 41 seconds). Visual acuity was tested in both eyes in 56 (56.6%). There was agreement between the teleophthalmology diagnosis and the final diagnosisin 40 of 50 (80.0%) consults with both a teleophthalmology and final diagnosis. Ninety-eight (99.0%) consults were uploaded to the patient's medical record. CONCLUSIONS Beta testing of a teleophthalmology mobile phone app (FOXTROT) in a noncombat emergent care setting demonstrated that this solution can extend ophthalmic care in this environment at a military treatment facility. However, improvements in the reliability of the platform are needed in future developments to reduce communication and technical errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Chung
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Gary L Legault
- Department of Ophthalmology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jennifer S Stowe
- US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL 36362, USA
| | - Kyle E Miller
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Michelle A Moccia
- Warfighter Eye Center, Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762, USA
| | - Mabel R Cooper
- Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jeanette R Little
- Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
- Digital Health Innovation Center (DHIC), Fort Gordon, GA 30905, USA
- US Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC), Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - William G Gensheimer
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Section of Ophthalmology, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA
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Liu H, Ying S, Kamat S, Tukel C, Serle J, Fallar R, Tai TYT, Chadha N. The Role of Telemedicine in Glaucoma Care Triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:2251-2266. [PMID: 37575208 PMCID: PMC10422957 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s418502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore and report on how glaucoma care was impacted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) in New York City (NYC) with a specific emphasis on the role of telemedicine. Patients and Methods This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study that engaged glaucoma clinicians in semi-structured interviews to elicit perspectives on telemedicine and patient care experiences during the pandemic. Interview responses were coded and analyzed thematically. Results Twenty clinicians participated. Mean participant age was 48.8 ± 12.3 years, and the mean number of years in practice post-glaucoma fellowship was 17.5 ± 12.4 years. Four main themes pertinent to the role of telemedicine triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) The Need to Ensure Patient and Staff Safety Drove Telemedicine Uptake; (2) Telemedicine Allowed Providers to Address Subjective Complaints; (3) Telemedicine was Discontinued Due To Concerns of Compromised Patient Safety and Measurement Inaccuracy; (4) Technological Advances are Needed for Continued Telemedicine Usage and Uptake in Glaucoma Care. The interviews suggested that telemedicine usage dropped markedly within just a few months during the pandemic, and for most physicians interviewed, telemedicine is no longer part of their clinical practice. Several clinicians reported optimism towards future implementation of telemedicine as the technology develops. Conclusion This study identified 4 themes outlining the uptake, application, discontinuation and overall perspectives on telemedicine by glaucoma clinicians. The role of telemedicine, as triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, may have lasting implications for patient safety, continuity of care, and glaucoma care delivery beyond this public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Liu
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Ying
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samir Kamat
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Connor Tukel
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janet Serle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Fallar
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tak Yee Tania Tai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nisha Chadha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, USA
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Thirunavukarasu AJ, Hassan R, Limonard A, Savant SV. Accuracy and reliability of self-administered visual acuity tests: Systematic review of pragmatic trials. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281847. [PMID: 37347757 PMCID: PMC10286971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281847] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote self-administered visual acuity (VA) tests have the potential to allow patients and non-specialists to assess vision without eye health professional input. Validation in pragmatic trials is necessary to demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of tests in relevant settings to justify deployment. Here, published pragmatic trials of these tests were synthesised to summarise the effectiveness of available options and appraise the quality of their supporting evidence. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with a preregistered protocol (CRD42022385045). The Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched. Screening was conducted according to the following criteria: (1) English language; (2) primary research article; (3) visual acuity test conducted out of eye clinic; (4) no clinical administration of remote test; (5) accuracy or reliability of remote test analysed. There were no restrictions on trial participants. Quality assessment was conducted with QUADAS-2. RESULTS Of 1227 identified reports, 10 studies were ultimately included. One study was at high risk of bias and two studies exhibited concerning features of bias; all studies were applicable. Three trials-of DigiVis, iSight Professional, and Peek Acuity-from two studies suggested that accuracy of the remote tests is comparable to clinical assessment. All other trials exhibited inferior accuracy, including conflicting results from a pooled study of iSight Professional and Peek Acuity. Two studies evaluated test-retest agreement-one trial provided evidence that DigiVis is as reliable as clinical assessment. The three most accurate tests required access to digital devices. Reporting was inconsistent and often incomplete, particularly with regards to describing methods and conducting statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS Remote self-administered VA tests appear promising, but further pragmatic trials are indicated to justify deployment in carefully defined contexts to facilitate patient or non-specialist led assessment. Deployment could augment teleophthalmology, non-specialist eye assessment, pre-consultation triage, and autonomous long-term monitoring of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun James Thirunavukarasu
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Camybridge, United Kingdom
- Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Refaat Hassan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Camybridge, United Kingdom
- Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Limonard
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Camybridge, United Kingdom
- St John’s College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shalom Vitreous Savant
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Camybridge, United Kingdom
- St John’s College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Pavlenko D, Pavlenko M, Pavlenko R. Advantages and limitations of teleophthalmology during the war in Ukraine. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:1761-1763. [PMID: 36648510 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Pavlenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bogomolets National Medical University, 13 T. Shevchenko Blvd, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine.
| | | | - Roman Pavlenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bogomolets National Medical University, 13 T. Shevchenko Blvd, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
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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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10
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Kalantan H. Teleophthalmology in Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2023; 37:55-59. [PMID: 36968779 PMCID: PMC10032281 DOI: 10.4103/sjopt.sjopt_189_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Teleophthalmology is the provision of ophthalmic care using digital medical equipment and telecommunications technology. While teleophthalmology has been practiced since the 1990s, it became a crucial medical service during the COVID-19 pandemic when doctors were required to make diagnoses from a distance. This was certainly the case in Saudi Arabia, a relatively large country with limited medical workforce to meet demands, yet a high prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts which are considered leading causes of visual impairment. In response to the pandemic, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health issued scientific instruction manuals and guidelines for health-care providers which paved the way for increased use of digital technologies and solutions to mitigate the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The pandemic served to accelerate the use of virtual ophthalmology in Saudi Arabia with the most common teleophthalmology applications being teleconsultation and disease-specific applications such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Although some challenges relating to implementing teleophthalmology in Saudi Arabia remain, it is felt that there are great opportunities to expand the use of telemedicine in ophthalmology in this country.
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11
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Kiburg KV, Turner A, He M. Telemedicine and delivery of ophthalmic care in rural and remote communities: Drawing from Australian experience. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:793-800. [PMID: 35975938 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Rural and remote communities in Australia are characterised by small but widely dispersed populations. This has been proven to be a major hurdle in access to medical care services with screening and treatment goals repeatedly being missed. Telemedicine in ophthalmology provides the opportunity to increase the availability of high quality and timely access to healthcare within. Recent years has also seen the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, particularly in the screening of diseases. AI will hopefully increase the number of appropriate referrals, reduce travel time for patients and ensure timely triage given the low number of qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists. Telemedicine and AI has been introduced in a number of countries and has led to tremendous benefits and advantages when compared to standard practices. This paper summarises current practices in telemedicine and AI and the future of this technology in improving patient care in the field of ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina V Kiburg
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angus Turner
- Lions Outback Vision, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mingguang He
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Stewart C, Coffey-Sandoval J, Souverein EA, Ho TC, Lee TC, Nallasamy S. Patient and Provider Experience in Real-Time Telemedicine Consultations for Pediatric Ophthalmology. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:2943-2953. [PMID: 36071727 PMCID: PMC9444028 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s374811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Telemedicine adoption hinges on positive experiences for patients and providers. We report participants’ experience from our prospective study. Patients and Methods Ophthalmic examinations for children 0–17 years of age were conducted by an optometrist using digital exam instruments and streamed to an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist, optometrist, parent, and patient (≥10 years) completed surveys capturing patient and provider experience outcomes. Results Three hundred forty-eight examinations were conducted with 210 patients in a hospital-based pediatric ophthalmology clinic. About 99% of parents were comfortable with exam quality, and 97% indicated they would have another telemedicine examination. Fifty-four of 55 consented for surgery during the initial telemedicine examination. Thirty-seven percent of families traveled ≥2 hours round-trip to their appointment; 1/3 of parents and patients missed a full day of work/school. Video glasses were by far the most useful instrument, while technical proficiency was most challenging with the digital indirect ophthalmoscope. Problem-focused examinations took 33 minutes of the ophthalmologist’s time on average. Equipment challenges caused delays in 40/348 (11.5%) of visits, with the majority lasting 5–10 minutes. In a few cases, a backup device was used. Despite seeing significantly fewer patients on telemedicine days, the ophthalmologist’s surgical volume increased 25%. Conclusion All participants were satisfied with telemedicine visits despite longer durations and learning curve. Results indicate an opportunity for telemedicine in community settings to improve access to specialized care. Telemedicine enabled the optometrist to manage or co-manage more complex patients with a pipeline to the ophthalmologist for surgical cases. In the right setting, collaborative telemedicine consultations may be beneficial to one’s practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Stewart
- The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Erik A Souverein
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany C Ho
- The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Lee
- The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sudha Nallasamy
- The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Sudha Nallasamy, The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, MS #88, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA, Tel +1 323 361 4510, Fax +1 323 361 7993, Email
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Blandford A, Abdi S, Aristidou A, Carmichael J, Cappellaro G, Hussain R, Balaskas K. Protocol for a qualitative study to explore acceptability, barriers and facilitators of the implementation of new teleophthalmology technologies between community optometry practices and hospital eye services. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060810. [PMID: 35858730 PMCID: PMC9305899 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel teleophthalmology technologies have the potential to reduce unnecessary and inaccurate referrals between community optometry practices and hospital eye services and as a result improve patients' access to appropriate and timely eye care. However, little is known about the acceptability and facilitators and barriers to the implementations of these technologies in real life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A theoretically informed, qualitative study will explore patients' and healthcare professionals' perspectives on teleophthalmology and Artificial Intelligence Decision Support System models of care. A combination of situated observations in community optometry practices and hospital eye services, semistructured qualitative interviews with patients and healthcare professionals and self-audiorecordings of healthcare professionals will be conducted. Participants will be purposively selected from 4 to 5 hospital eye services and 6-8 affiliated community optometry practices. The aim will be to recruit 30-36 patients and 30 healthcare professionals from hospital eye services and community optometry practices. All interviews will be audiorecorded, with participants' permission, and transcribed verbatim. Data from interviews, observations and self-audiorecordings will be analysed thematically and will be informed by normalisation process theory and an inductive approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been received from London-Bromley research ethics committee. Findings will be reported through academic journals and conferences in ophthalmology, health services research, management studies and human-computer interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Blandford
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Abdi
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Josie Carmichael
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Giulia Cappellaro
- School of Management, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milano, Italy
| | - Rima Hussain
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
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Considerations for Training and Workforce Development to Enhance Rural and Remote Ophthalmology Practise in Australia: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148593. [PMID: 35886446 PMCID: PMC9315488 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Australia has one of the lowest per capita numbers of ophthalmologists among OECD countries, and they predominantly practise in metropolitan centres of the country. Increasing the size and distribution of the ophthalmology workforce is of critical importance. The objective of this review was to investigate the context of rural ophthalmology training and practise in Australia and how they relate to future ophthalmology workforce development. This scoping review was informed by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the methodology described by Coloqhuon et al. The search yielded 428 articles, of which 261 were screened for eligibility. Following the screening, a total of 75 articles were included in the study. Themes identified relating to rural ophthalmology training and practise included: Indigenous eye health; access and utilisation of ophthalmology-related services; service delivery models for ophthalmic care; ophthalmology workforce demographics; and ophthalmology workforce education and training for rural and remote practise. With an anticipated undersupply and maldistribution of ophthalmologists in the coming decade, efforts to improve training must focus on how to build a sizeable, fit-for-purpose workforce to address eye health needs across Australia. More research focusing on ophthalmology workforce distribution is needed to help identify evidence-based solutions for workforce maldistribution. Several strategies to better prepare the future ophthalmology workforce for rural practise were identified, including incorporating telehealth into ophthalmology training settings; collaborating with other health workers, especially optometrists and specialist nurses in eyecare delivery; and exposing trainees to more patients of Indigenous background.
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Li R, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Bai W, Du Y, Sun R, Tang J, Wang N, Liu H. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of traditional and telemedicine combined population-based age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy screening in rural and urban China. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 23:100435. [PMID: 35355615 PMCID: PMC8958534 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a population-level traditional and telemedicine combined age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening program in rural and urban China. METHODS Decision-analytic Markov models were conducted to evaluate the costs and benefits of traditional and telemedicine combined AMD and DR screening from a societal perspective. A cohort of all participants aged 50 years old and above was followed through a total of 30 1-year Markov cycles. Separate analyses were performed for rural and urban settings. Relevant parameters such as the prevalence of AMD and DR, transition probability, compliance with screening and treatment, screening sensitivity, specificity, utility, and mortality were collected from published studies specific to China, other Asian counties' studies, or unpublished data sources such as the National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness. Costs of screening, full examination, and treatment come from the real medical environments and unified pricing of Beijing Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau. Primary outcomes were incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using years of blindness avoided. One-way deterministic and simulated probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to reflect uncertainty. FINDINGS Under the status quo, the total expected medical costs for a 50-year-old patient with AMD or DR were $869·59 and $1,514·18 in rural and urban settings, respectively. Both traditional and telemedicine screening were highly cost-effective. In rural settings, ICURs were $191 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $66 to $239) and $199 (95% CI: $-12 to $217), and ICERs were $2,436 (95% CI: $1,089 to $3,254) and $2,441 (95% CI: $1,452 to $3,900) for traditional and telemedicine screening separately. Even more surprising, both screening strategies dominated no screening in urban settings. Our results were insensitive and robust to extensive sensitivity analyses. Among all acceptable screening intervals (from 1 to 5 years), annual screening could not only produce biggest benefits but also keep ICERs less than three times and one time the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in rural and urban settings separately. When compared with traditional screening, ICERs of telescreening were less than three times the per capita GDP in rural settings ($2,559 to $8,809) and less than one time the per capita GDP in urban settings (less than $5,564), annual telescreening produced the biggest benefits, it could avert 119 and 270 years of blindness in rural and urban areas separately when 100,000 people were screened. INTERPRETATION We performed decision-analytic Markov models for combined AMD and DR screening in rural and urban China, and the results showed that population-level combined screening for AMD and DR is likely to be highly cost-effective in both rural and urban China for people over 50 years old. Optimal screening may have an interval of every year based on teleophthalmology platforms. In the future, China should pay more attention to chronic eye diseases and the government should establish a sound chronic disease management system and make every patient enjoy equal medical services. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC (82171051); the Major Innovation Platform of Public Health & Disease Control and Prevention, Renmin University of China and Beijing Nova program (Z191100001119072).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Ziwei Yang
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Weiling Bai
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Yifan Du
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Runzhou Sun
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Jianjun Tang
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100000, China
- Corresponding author at: School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100000, China.
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing 100000, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
- School of Information and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100000, China
- Corresponding authors at: Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Hanruo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing 100000, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, China
- School of Information and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100000, China
- Corresponding authors at: Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100000, China.
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Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Diabetic Retinopathy via Atherosclerotic Pathway in COVID-19/non-COVID-19 Frameworks using Artificial Intelligence Paradigm: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051234. [PMID: 35626389 PMCID: PMC9140106 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is one of the main causes of the rising cases of blindness in adults. This microvascular complication of diabetes is termed diabetic retinopathy (DR) and is associated with an expanding risk of cardiovascular events in diabetes patients. DR, in its various forms, is seen to be a powerful indicator of atherosclerosis. Further, the macrovascular complication of diabetes leads to coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, the timely identification of cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications in DR patients is of utmost importance. Since CAD risk assessment is expensive for low-income countries, it is important to look for surrogate biomarkers for risk stratification of CVD in DR patients. Due to the common genetic makeup between the coronary and carotid arteries, low-cost, high-resolution imaging such as carotid B-mode ultrasound (US) can be used for arterial tissue characterization and risk stratification in DR patients. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has facilitated the handling of large cohorts in a big data framework to identify atherosclerotic plaque features in arterial ultrasound. This enables timely CVD risk assessment and risk stratification of patients with DR. Thus, this review focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of DR, retinal and CAD imaging, the role of surrogate markers for CVD, and finally, the CVD risk stratification of DR patients. The review shows a step-by-step cyclic activity of how diabetes and atherosclerotic disease cause DR, leading to the worsening of CVD. We propose a solution to how AI can help in the identification of CVD risk. Lastly, we analyze the role of DR/CVD in the COVID-19 framework.
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Leung EH, Fan J, Flynn HW, Albini TA. Ocular and Systemic Complications of COVID-19: Impact on Patients and Healthcare. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:1-13. [PMID: 35018092 PMCID: PMC8742614 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s336963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing information available about the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the systemic and ocular health of patients, as well as the effects of delayed health care. This mini-review summarizes the potential complications and treatments of COVID-19. Systemic findings include respiratory illness, risk of thromboembolic events, and neurologic findings. Some patients may develop persistent symptoms even after the infection resolves. Effective treatment options include glucocorticoids, antivirals, interleukin-6 antagonists, monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase inhibitors and vaccines. Potential ocular findings of COVID-19 include conjunctivitis, cranial nerve palsies, and microvascular changes in the retina; most symptoms resolved over time. During the lockdown periods, teleophthalmology was utilized to triage non-urgent issues; patients who did present to emergency departments tended to have more severe disease with worse visual prognoses. While transient delays in outpatient ophthalmic care may be tolerated in some patients, others experienced significant vision loss with interruptions in treatments. Resumption of ophthalmic care as soon as possible may help mitigate the effects of delayed care due to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Fan
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Harry W Flynn
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Merchant RA, Aprahamian I. Editorial: Covid-19 and Virtual Geriatric Care. J Nutr Health Aging 2022; 26:213-216. [PMID: 35297461 PMCID: PMC8883446 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-022-1755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reshma A Merchant
- Associate Professor Reshma A Merchant, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, , ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9032-0184
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