Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study: Ocular Findings at Two Health Centers.

Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection and Follow-up Study: Ocular Findings at Two Health Centers.

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2018;29(4):1400-1415

Authors: Hark L, Acito M, Adeghate J, Henderer J, Okudolo J, Malik K, Molineaux J, Eburuoh R, Zhan T, Katz LJ

Abstract
Blindness from glaucoma can be prevented by early detection and treatment. Telemedicine improves access to treatment in high-risk populations that face barriers to receiving adequate ophthalmic care. We used a practice-based telemedicine screening model at two health centers. Telemedicine imaging of the fundus and optic nerve, followed by a complete eye exam at the same location for participants with abnormal findings, unreadable images, or ocular hypertension (OHTN), was performed. A total of 182 participants were screened, of whom 108 qualified for a complete eye exam. Of these, 62 (34.1%) had abnormal images, 12 (6.6%) had OHTN, and 34 (18.7%) had unreadable images. Eighty-nine of the 108 (82%) returned for the complete eye exam. Predominantly, participants were African American with glaucoma suspect and cataract. Screening location was an important factor for follow-up. Assessment of the fundus and optic disc using telemedicine resulted in early detection of glaucoma and other ocular pathology.

PMID: 30449754 [PubMed - in process]