Teleophthalmology-Assisted Corneal Foreign Body Removal in a Rural Hospital

Abstract

This paper describes two cases of using telementoring from the Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH) Ophthalmology Department, Sydney, to Bourke Base hospital, a rural hospital in far west New South Wales, Australia. Eye trauma occurs frequently in a rural setting, and it can be difficult to assess the extent of the injury without a specialist ophthalmic service. One of the aims of the teleophthalmology is to facilitate the transfer of ophthalmic skills to local health providers such as general practitioners. We demonstrate that the removal of corneal foreign bodies and rust rings can be effectively supervised via teleophthalmology.