Related Experiment Videos
Ophthalmic telemedicine at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry, 35294-0010, USA.
Background:
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind have collaborated in development of electronic medical records, digital slit-lamp medical imaging, and ocular telemedicine between their two sites.
Methods:
The telemedicine link uses the electronic medical record system (EMRS) called PEARL, and digitized slit-lamp images made with an MCV 4000 digital imaging unit attached to a Topcon SL4E slit-lamp.
Results:
These technologies allow remote physician access to medical records as well as remote triage of eye problems using transmitted digital images and telephone consultation.
Conclusions:
This implementation strategy can serve as a model for improvement of specialist access to remotely located sites. It is a unique pairing of a school of optometry and a residential institution for people with sensory impairment.