Virtual Ophthalmology: Telemedicine in a COVID-19 Era.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose
To discuss the effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 betacoronavirus on ambulatory ophthalmology practices, the value proposition of telemedicine, teleophthalmology implementation methodologies, and the accelerated future of telemedicine.Design
Review of the current telehealth landscape including usage, policies, and techniques for ambulatory practice integration.Methods
We provide author-initiated review of recent trends in telehealth, governmental recommendations for health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a PubMed Central query for telemedicine in ophthalmology or teleophthalmology. In addition, the authors' comprehensive experience in telemedicine design and implementation is provided.Results
We provide a summary describing the present state of telehealth, teleophthalmology modeling, care delivery, and the proposed impact of telehealth surges on the future of ophthalmology practice.Conclusion
Recent patient and provider interest in telemedicine, the relaxation of regulatory restrictions, increased remote care reimbursement, and ongoing social distancing practices compel many ophthalmologists to consider virtualizing services.
SUBMITTER: Saleem SM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7191296 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Virtual Ophthalmology: Telemedicine in a COVID-19 Era.
Saleem Sophia Mirza SM Pasquale Louis R LR Sidoti Paul A PA Tsai James C JC
American journal of ophthalmology 20200430
<h4>Purpose</h4>To discuss the effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 betacoronavirus on ambulatory ophthalmology practices, the value proposition of telemedicine, teleophthalmology implementation methodologies, and the accelerated future of telemedicine.<h4>Design</h4>Review of the current telehealth landscape including usage, policies, and techniques for ambulatory practice integration.<h4>Methods</h4>We provide author-initiated review of recent trends in telehealth, go ...[more]
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