Dr. SANJAY KUMAR DAULAT THAKUR
Dr. Sagar Karmakar, Dr. BISWARUP RAY, Dr.Soumen Chakraborty
Abstract
Introduction: 70% of our population reside in rural areas. But 70% of ophthalmologists reside in urban areas. Teleophthalmology plays an important role in bridging this divide and reaching remote areas.
Aim: To provide Synchronous Teleophthalmology services to 20 villages spread over two districts of West Bengal.
Methods: 20 Vision Centers were established with an optometrist trained to do preliminary examination and send pictures of anterior and posterior segment. After refraction, patients were given prescription online or referred to medical college.
Results: 232651 patients were given tele consultation by ophthalmologists of 2 medical colleges from 1.1.14 to 31.12.18. 93584 patients were diagnosed with refractive error. 14579 patients were referred to medical college. Of these, 7518 patients had cataract.
Conclusion: It is a highly cost effective method of providing patient care and for screening of various ocular conditions in remote, rural population.
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