The Evolution of Teleophthalmology Programs in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The burden of disease in diabetes eye care has reached gargantuan proportions in the 21st century. There are an estimated 552 million people globally who will live with diabetes by the year 2030, with half of this population eventually developing diabetic retinopathy. 1 As such, we are approaching a landmark in history where radical changes in the way we practice ophthalmology will be required to maintain delivery of high quality care to these patients. The examination of the human retina was only made possible in 1851, when Hermann von Helmholtz first held up a lens to a patient's eye using a naked candle as a source of illumination. 2 To this day, ophthalmologists round the world use the same physical principles to perform a retinal examination. The evolution of the ophthalmic examination has occurred in a gradual step-wise fashion, following the developments of its time; for example, the invention of electricity allowing for more powerful light sources, and modern optical lenses that offer a wider field-of-view of the retina. However, it has been the more recent exponential leaps in digital technology that 629983D STXXX10.

11. Microvascular Complications and Foot Care: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019

“…Interpretation of the images should be performed by a trained eye care provider. Retinal photography may also enhance efficiency and reduce costs when the expertise of ophthalmologists can be used for more complex examinations and for therapy (90,91). In-person exams are still necessary when the retinal photos are of unacceptable quality and for follow-up if abnormalities are detected.…”

Optometry‐facilitated teleophthalmology: an audit of the first year in Western Australia

“…Over the last decade the field of telemedicine has developed from an interesting research modality to an established and evidence‐based mode of service delivery . Telemedicine has been defined as the use of a range of technologies to provide medical care over a geographical distance .…”

Teleophthalmology Through Handheld Mobile Devices: A Pilot Study in Rural Nepal

“…There are numerous studies evaluating the rural use of teleophthalmology using 29 Most research has been done with diabetic retinopathy screening, for which there is a general consensus that teleophthalmology efforts increase the number of screened patients without sacrificing quality of care or visual outcomes. 21,29,30 Comparing data from the Beijing Eye Public Health Care Project to our own findings, subspecialty referrals had similar trends (excluding cataract surgery due to Nepal's unique local cataract camps): retinal disease (including macular and retinopathy changes) was the most commonly detected pathology, followed by glaucomatous optic neuropathy. 27 In a study conducted in rural Brazil, teleophthalmology was highly specific and sensitive in detecting urgent eye conditions.…”