Smartphone photography as a possible method of post-validation trachoma surveillance in resource-limited settings

BACKGROUND: Validation of trachoma elimination requires monitoring after discontinuation of trachoma program activities, though such evaluations are not commonly done. METHODS: Conjunctival examinations and smartphone photography were performed on a random sample of pre-school children from 15 villages in a region of Burkina Faso thought to have eliminated trachoma. RESULTS: No clinically active trachoma was detected by in-field or photographic evaluation. Smartphone images demonstrated high agreement with field grading (>99% concordance). CONCLUSIONS: Trachoma appears to have been eliminated from this area of Burkina Faso. Smartphone cameras may be a useful aid for monitoring in resource-limited settings.