Teleoptometry on the rise

A literature review of the role of optometry in the delivery of eye care via telehealth has been published in Telehealth and e-Health magazine.

Authors identified 27 relevant studies, which found optometrists were commonly involved in ophthalmology-led telehealth collaborations.

A total of eight studies reported optometrists independently delivering primary eye care via telehealth and commonly included video conferencing. Authors concluded that the application of teleoptometry to deliver eye care was rapidly emerging and appeared to be a viable adjunct to the delivery of in-person optometry services.

The review said Covid-19 created opportunities for optometrists to utilise innovation in telehealth to deliver eye care to individuals who experienced access barriers.