that they will be replaced by telemed-
icine; rather, they should view it as
an adjunctive technology that will
allow us to better serve our patients,"
Dr. Weng said.
"We are just beginning to scratch
the surface of how telemedicine
might be helpful in ophthalmology,"
Dr. Song said. "Developing standard-
ized methods to remotely monitor
patients with chronic eye diseases,
such as glaucoma, has the potential
to change how we deliver health
care and may be part of the solution
to deal with over-crowded clinics
and long wait times so that only the
most acute and sick patients have to
be seen via a traditional face-to-face
encounter. Teleconsultation (i.e.,
second opinion) services are just
beginning to gain traction and allow
patients to receive expert opinions
from other institutions without
having to leave the convenience of
their home. As technology improves
and telemedicine tools become more
portable and accessible, patients may
be able to begin screening themselves
for vision-threatening eye conditions
like macular degeneration and glau-
coma. One day, physicians may even
be able to provide certain treatments
remotely, like laser photocoagulation
or laser trabeculoplasty." OB
Editors' note: Dr. Habash has financial
interests with Everbridge. Drs. Weng and
Song have no financial interests related
to their comments.
Contact information
Habash: ranya@hipaachat.com
Song: Brian_Song@MEEI.HARVARD.EDU
Weng: Christina.Weng@bcm.edu
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