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

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2018;29(4):1400-1415. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2018.0103.

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.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cataract / diagnosis*
  • Cataract / ethnology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glaucoma / diagnosis*
  • Glaucoma / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / ethnology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ocular Hypertension / diagnosis
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Philadelphia
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration
  • Prospective Studies
  • Racial Groups
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration*