Teleophthalmology: an essential tool in the era of the novel coronavirus 2019

Abstract

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to assess the current state of teleophthalmology given the sudden surge in telemedicine demand in response to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Recent findings Recommendations and policies from government and national health organizations, combined with social distancing, have led to exponential increases in telemedicine use. Teleophthalmology can be integrated into ophthalmic care delivery. In the emergency room, teleophthalmology can be utilized to triage patients and diagnose common ophthalmic eye diseases. Ophthalmology practices can utilize real-time medicine to conduct many parts of an in-person exam. In cases where more complex diagnostic tools are warranted, a model incorporating telemedicine and focused in-person visits may still be beneficial. Innovative technologies emerging in the market allow for increased remote monitoring, screening, and management of adult and pediatric patients for common eye diseases. Summary COVID-19 created a demand for healthcare delivery that limits in-person examination and potential viral exposure. Teleophthalmology allows ophthalmologists to continue caring for patients while keeping physicians and patients safe. Although challenges still exist, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of teleophthalmology. As a result, teleophthalmology will play an integral role in providing high-quality efficient care in the near future.

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“…Many specialists might have felt rushed into providing virtual care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or being told it is "essential". 29 While such an essence may be true for some specialties more than others, each specialty needs to work this out individually based on cost, physical space capacity, need for lengthy history or PE, availability of diagnostic aids, and the role for specialty-specific procedures. Randomized controlled trials by specialty may help assess clinical quality measures, health resource utilization, and patient-reported outcomes, 30 and can also inform statistical reasoning.…”

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