ABSTRACT
If equity of access is a priority, communication technology has the ability to significantly increase access to eye health care. Digital technologies are a part of everyday life and, when used in the healthcare industry, have the potential to significantly enhance people's health. The World Health Assembly's adoption of the Global Strategy on Digital Health in 2020 encourages the development of digital health services to enhance health outcomes. There is also growing agreement that more people will be able to take advantage of universal health coverage thanks to the use of cutting-edge digital breakthroughs and technologies. Big data, artificial intelligence, genomics, wearable technology, and communication technologies are all included under the general phrase "digital health." The emphasis in this issue is mostly on communication technologies, including telehealth, telemedicine, and teleconsultations (often known as "mHealth"). These have evolved into essential resources for providing healthcare, in part as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic's pressures. Communication technology has a lot of promise to contribute to the provision of high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare. But there are difficulties. As our article on advances in refractive error shows, new technology can be expensive and as a result, must be well adapted to the demands of the community where it will be utilized as well as of adequate quality to justify the financial investment made. Existing disparities in communities' access to technology, infrastructure, and education present another significant obstacle. If we want to prevent escalating currently present health imbalances, we must use technology in a manner that is appropriate, equitable, and ethical. When adding communication, they should focus on factors like inadequate internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and lack of access to broadband internet and smartphones, often known as "digital determinants of health." As a result, this issue's papers offer recommendations for creating inclusive and accessible teleophthalmology services for persons with disabilities, limited digital literacy, and those without internet access, while safeguarding patient data and privacy. This article also talk about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in eye care and the necessity for fair AI service development.
ABSTRACT
Teleconsultations – the use of communications technology to connect health professionals to each other and to patients – are important for providing health care to people in remote areas or to those unable to come to a secondary or teaching hospital, whether due to distance or the COVID-19 pandemic. Teleconsultation is not a new concept, but recent advances in technology solutions, the expansion of internet and cell phone connectivity, and the widespread use of smart devices have all contributed to its immense growth and popularity. © 2022. Community Eye Health Journal. All Rights Reserved.