Role of teleophthalmology to manage anterior segment conditions in vision centres of south India: EyeSmart study-I.
Indian J Ophthalmol
; 68(2): 362-367, 2020 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31957728
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
To study the role of teleophthalmology (TO) in the diagnosis and treatment of anterior segment conditions (including adnexal conditions) in rural areas.Methods:
This is a pilot study of 5,604 patients, who visited primary vision centres (VCs) for 1 week from 1-7 September 2018. The patients were examined by a vision technician (VT) to identify those who may need teleconsultation. The centres were located in 16 districts of four Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Karnataka. The demographic profile, along with the role of teleconsultation was reviewed.Results:
Teleconsultation was advised in 6.9% of the patients, out of which 59.6% were referred to a higher level of care, and 40.4% were treated directly at the VC. Teleconsultations were higher among males (7.0% as compared to 6.6% in females), though not statistically significant (P = 0.55). Teleconsultation was higher in the older population, that is, 60 years and above (14.5%); those with severe visual impairment (VI) (21%) and blindness (31.1%); and in the states of Telangana (11%) and Andhra Pradesh (6.3%). It was noted that 45% of the patients who underwent teleconsultation had pathologies related to ocular surface, cornea and lid, and adnexa-related conditions.Conclusion:
Teleconsultation has a significant role in the management of anterior segment conditions in bridging the gap between the patients and ophthalmologists in rural India. TO can also play an important role in the diagnosis and management of anterior segment, lid, and adnexa-related pathologies.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Temas:
Geral
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Oftalmologia
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Transtornos da Visão
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Acuidade Visual
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Telemedicina
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Gerenciamento Clínico
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Segmento Anterior do Olho
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
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Diagnostic_studies
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Incidence_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Middle aged
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Newborn
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Indian J Ophthalmol
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Índia