Surfing the COVID-19 Tsunami with Teleophthalmology: the Advent of New Models of Eye Care

Abstract

Purpose of Review In this article, we reviewed the impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic on the traditional model of care in ophthalmology. Recent Findings Though virtual eye care has been present for more than 20 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has established a precedent to seriously consider its role in the evolving paradigm of vision and eye care. New hybrid models of care have enhanced or replaced traditional synchronous and asynchronous visits. The increased use of smart phoneography and mobile applications enhanced the remote examination of patients. Use of e-learning became a mainstream tool to continue accessing education and training. Summary Teleophthalmology has demonstrated its value for screening, examining, diagnosing, monitoring treatment, and increasing access to education. However, much of the progress made following the COVID-19 pandemic is at risk of being lost as society pushes to reestablish normalcy. Further studies during the new norm are required to prove a more permanent role for virtual eye care.

Integrating Telehealth for Strengthening Health Systems in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Perspective from Peru

“…Technologies such as smartphones with 3D-printed cases were developed to facilitate the remote diagnosis of eye diseases [51], and regarding digital fabrication, 3D-printed personal protective face shields and 3D-printed medical devices and accessories were donated to physicians and healthcare hospitals in several regions of Peru by private universities and other institutions [52,53].…”

Advancements in Wearable and Implantable Intraocular Pressure Biosensors for Ophthalmology: A Comprehensive Review

“…The onset of the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic marked a significant turning point for numerous emerging medical technologies. This period led to the commencement of what Ricur et al subsequently referred to as the "COVID-19 Tsunami" [137]. During this period of social isolation and virtual-appointment adoption, the clinical utility of both wearable and implantable IOP biosensors was made manifest.…”

“…During this period of social isolation and virtual-appointment adoption, the clinical utility of both wearable and implantable IOP biosensors was made manifest. One central example was the widespread acceptance and integration of "teleophthalmology" models that hybridize synchronous and asynchronous vision care modalities [137]. Real-time IOP monitoring via implantable and wearable biosensors was then the logical and practical extension of the clinical continuum that has seen ophthalmic assessment transition from strict clinician measurement, to hybrid virtual and synchronous examinations [137][138][139], and finally to a workable model of fully asynchronous IOP measurement.…”

“…One central example was the widespread acceptance and integration of "teleophthalmology" models that hybridize synchronous and asynchronous vision care modalities [137]. Real-time IOP monitoring via implantable and wearable biosensors was then the logical and practical extension of the clinical continuum that has seen ophthalmic assessment transition from strict clinician measurement, to hybrid virtual and synchronous examinations [137][138][139], and finally to a workable model of fully asynchronous IOP measurement. This change has received considerable attention in the literature in recent years and has the potential to transform clinical outcomes of IOP-dependent ophthalmic ailments such as glaucoma progression and visual field loss [140][141][142].…”

“…Miki and colleagues [193] echo these findings and reported an increase in refractive error of approximately 18% after a 24 h CLS wear period. As a corrective, 3D measurements of patients' corneal curvature have been proposed in order to better dimension the wearable biosensor to the specific geometric and refractive specifications of the user and thus reduce the reported problems associated with surface contact mismatch between the cornea and CLS [137,193].…”