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Teleophthalmology case study: Sankara Nethralaya, India
Community Eye Health Journal ; 35(114):11-11, 2022.
Article in English | GIM | ID: covidwho-2112066
ABSTRACT
Both current and new patients at Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital can use free community-based teleophthalmology services as well as paid online services, even if they do not have personal internet access. The first eye hospital in India to use teleophthalmology to offer primary eye treatment to patients in remote communities was Chennai's Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital in 2003. This free service provides thorough eye exams as well as screening for cataracts and diabetic retinopathy utilizing a satellite link put on the roof of a mobile eye care van. It quickly became apparent that more people not simply those in rural areas would need teleophthalmology services with the COVID-19 pandemic's arrival in 2020. The Indian government's practice guidelines for telemedicine, which it released at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic offered a framework for the control and expansion of teleconsultation services in the nation. Sankara Nethralaya set up three new teleophthalmology access points for new patients, current patients, and patients who do not have access to the internet but can visit an optical store in response to this and in addition to its current service in rural areas. A patient can consult an ophthalmologist directly from home using this paradigm, which uses not many resources. An electronic medical records system, teleconsultation capabilities (audio/video calling), and a payment portal are necessities for the hospital. After their eligibility has been verified at the hospital, clients who are unable to pay can receive free teleophthalmology services. Patients utilizing this model must have a smartphone and an internet connection (mobile internet or otherwise). Patients without smartphones are unable to share medical records or photographs, but they can still seek advise from doctors by making audio calls and sending short messages (SMS), as well as visiting an optical store that is affiliated with the hospital, if one is close. Teleconsultations are useful for pre-operative counseling, second opinions, evaluating uploaded patient records, and monitoring post-operative patients. Orthoptic, contact lens, poor vision, rehabilitation, and genetic counseling services can all be provided via teleconsultations. The quality management staff will be able to provide better services by gathering patient input after each teleconsultation and responding quickly to complaints.
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Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: GIM Type of study: Case report Language: English Journal: Community Eye Health Journal Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: GIM Type of study: Case report Language: English Journal: Community Eye Health Journal Year: 2022 Document Type: Article