Virtual Ophthalmology: Telemedicine in a COVID-19 Era

TLDR

Telemedicine is gaining traction in ophthalmology because of patient and provider interest, relaxed regulations, higher reimbursement, and social distancing. The study reviews how COVID‑19 impacts ambulatory ophthalmology and explores telemedicine’s value, implementation methods, and future acceleration. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of telehealth policies, practices, and literature searches to guide ophthalmology telemedicine implementation. They conclude that growing patient and provider interest, relaxed regulations, and increased reimbursement are driving ophthalmologists toward virtual care, shaping the future of the specialty.

Abstract

PurposeTo 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.DesignReview of the current telehealth landscape including usage, policies, and techniques for ambulatory practice integration.MethodsWe 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionRecent 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. 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. Review of the current telehealth landscape including usage, policies, and techniques for ambulatory practice integration. 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. 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. 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.