Robotic Telepresence Consults in Underserved Community-Based Vision Threatening Disease Screenings During COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Vision Threatening Diseases (VTDs) (age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma) affect 36 million individuals in the United States. 50% are unaware they have a VTD, disproportionally affecting minorities and lowincome groups with less access to eye care. While screening programs in underserved communities result in early detection, less than half of subjects with findings follow up with a specialist. This number is four times lower during COVID-19. Methods: Robotic Telepresence (RT) was implemented in this pilot study during COVID19 to increase real-time access to specialist care. 58 subjects (age 56, 45% male) underwent a non-mydriatic screening protocol over five screenings. They were divided into three groups for consult In Person (IP) followed by RT (N = 21), RT followed by IP (N = 19), and IP only (N = 18). IP consult was done by an on-site certified reader. RT consult was done by an off-site glaucoma or retina specialist with access to blood pressure, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, 45° retinal images, and ocular coherence tomography Bscans via cloud-based software. Video connection for RT was established via HIPAAcompliant mobile hotspot. Subject demographics and preferences were collected afterwards via survey. Results: Of 40 RT consults, 26 were second opinion for VTD suspect and 14 were wellness encounters. 24 reported their last eye care visit >3 years ago or never. Following RT consult, 18 subjects received one or multiple VTD diagnosis and 3 with glaucoma were referred for pressure-lowering eye drops. In the group with IP consult first, preferences were 5% RT, 52% IP, and 43% none. In the group with RT consult first, preferences were 5% RT, 58% IP, and 37% none. There was no significant difference in number of questions asked, wait time, or encounter length between IP and RT consults. Conclusions: RT consults proved valuable in community-based VTD screenings, particularly during COVID-19 when access to eye care is further limited. Most subjects preferred IP. However subjects with VTD that face socioeconomic barriers benefit from immediate RT consult and management directives from remote subspecialists. Further studies should incorporate consults from additional specialties (endocrinologists, general practitioners, social workers) and include telehealth CPT code for reimbursement.