This study evaluates the impact of teleconsultation services in rural communities across India through a retrospective analysis. Teleconsultation units, also referred to as vision centres (VCs), are established in multiple rural regions, each serving a population of 20,000 to 50,000. These units are equipped with a slit lamp and a fundus photography system, and are managed by trained optometrists. Communication with ophthalmologists at base hospitals is facilitated through apps, namely Skype and Remidio. Data collected from 41 such units across 9 states over 18 months, from April 2022 to September 2023, were analysed. A total of 1,91,194 patients were examined during this time. Of these, 30,840 (16.13%) were prescribed and dispensed spectacles, 57,425 (30.03%) received medication and were followed up with at the VCs, and 23,623 (12.35%) underwent free cataract surgery. Additionally, 48,657 patients (25.44%) were referred to the base hospital for further management of more complex conditions. Given India’s low doctor-to-patient ratio and the challenges in accessing quality eye care in rural areas, these findings suggest that teleophthalmology is a powerful tool in bridging the healthcare gap. It not only brings accessible and affordable eye care to underserved populations but also helps reduce the burden on tertiary care centres.
Thali et al. (Fri,) studied this question.