Teleophthalmology for Organizations | Retinal Screening for Patients with Diabetes: Content
Virtual Care Enabled Retinal Screening
A business case presenting evidence informed strategies for improved diabetes care in under-served populations.
Read MoreImproved Access to Retinal Screening
An example of a regional program managed by St. Joseph's Healthcare's Hamilton Regional Eye Institute.
Watch VideoThe value of distance retinal screening
Diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes, is most treatable when asymptomatic. The challenge is that patient appointments with ophthalmologists can take months to schedule and involve significant travel and related expenses. OTN’s Teleophthalmology program enables timely, accessible eye care, so eye disease is more likely to be discovered — and treated — before irreversible vision loss. It’s an effective option for communities with many patients with diabetes. The program, which has served more than 10,000 patients across the province to date, also generates invaluable detail on outcomes, time to referral, grading, and clinical markers.
How it works
Patients have their eyes imaged at a Teleophthalmology site. The images are placed on OTN’s secure server and securely forwarded or “uploaded” to an ophthalmologist for assessment, diagnosis, and/or treatment recommendations. The referring physician then coordinates the necessary follow-up care.
Diabetes Canada recommends that people with diabetes have their eyes checked every 1-2 years. Refer your patients to a site or contact OTN for more information.
The referral process
Physicians identify patients with diabetes who can benefit from retinal screening closer to home and refer them to be seen at one of 10 Teleophthalmology sites across Ontario.
Contact a Teleophthalmology site to refer a patient
Interested in delivering distance retinal screening?
If you are interested in being a Teleophthalmology retinal screening site, please contact OTN for more information.
