Around 12 million Americans over the age of 40 have some form of vision impairment. 93 million adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, but only half of those at risk visited an eye doctor in the past year. This is primarily due to the lack of access to ophthalmology across rural and urban areas. Ophthalmology is one of the medical specialties with the lowest rate of projected workforce adequacy by 2035. As the population ages, the demand for ophthalmology services will continue to rise, further straining already limited resources in hospitals. The delivery of equitable eye services is felt everywhere but poses a unique challenge to rural communities. This is where tele-ophthalmology stands to make a change.
How Tele-Ophthalmology Works
Technology and Ophthalmology have gone hand-in-hand for over 1,000 years. It all started in the 1800s with the ophthalmic imaging of a living human retina. By 1961, Ophthalmologists were using fundus angiography for more accurate imaging, and in 1987, eventually sending these images through remote computers by modem using standard dial-up telephone lines all in the name of research and case advice. Today, ophthalmologists can provide a wide range of services remotely, from prescribing corrective lenses to advising delicate surgeries. These advances have helped ophthalmologists become comfortably well-versed in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and vision problems remotely, offering valuable insights to on-staff physicians.
Tele-Ophthalmology for Underserved Communities
Just like their urban counterparts, hospitals in underserved areas must be equipped to recognize, diagnose and treat various eye conditions and illnesses that lead to irreversible eye damage. However, with the disproportionate lack of staff, many eye conditions are overlooked or written off as a self-resolving side effect. That said, budgets often limit hospitals’ recruiting power and retention efforts. The financial strain is compounded by the high rates of burnout among all physicians who lack support from other specialists during weekends, nights, holidays, and vacations. This shortage not only limits patient care but also leads to increased patient transfers and lower satisfaction rates impacting the hospital’s bottom line.
With Eagle Tele-Ophthalmology, hospitals receive access to board-certified ophthalmologists without the strain of recruiting or the cost of staffing a full-time specialist. Tele-Ophthalmology can help hospitals:
- Reduce Staff Burnout: Telemedicine alleviates the pressure on local ophthalmologists, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction.
- Reduce Patient Transfers: With Tele-Ophthalmology, many conditions can be managed locally, reducing the need for patient transfers to other facilities.
- Increase Patient Access: More patients can access specialist care, regardless of their location.
- Increase Quality of Care: Patients receive high-quality care from experienced ophthalmologists, improving overall health outcomes.
- Eliminate Physician Recruiting Costs: Hospitals save on the costs associated with recruiting and retaining full-time ophthalmologists.
- Minimizing Readmissions: Effective and timely treatment reduces the likelihood of readmissions.
- Improving The Bottom Line: The combined benefits contribute to a more efficient and financially stable healthcare facility.
Incorporating a hybrid care model with a mix of in-person and remote staff offers hospitals a viable solution to ever-rising operational costs. Through telemedicine, patients can connect with ophthalmologists at their local hospital. Having an on-call ophthalmologist allows staffed physicians to receive real time advice on concerning cases to prevent irreversible damage. Tele-Ophthalmology bridges the gap, improving access to care for the millions of Americans who struggle with vision impairment and illnesses nationwide.
If you are interested in adding Tele-Ophthalmologists to your care team, contact us today!
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