Telemedicine: Strabismus e-consultation

Volunteer ophthalmologists can achieve success with teaching and service programs working with high intensity over a short term. Continuation of initially successful programs may be limited by lack of timely, effective communication and follow-up. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, a total of 6 telemedicine programs were established after a successful trial program at the Ramon Pando Ferrer Hospital in Havana, Cuba.

Two pediatric ophthalmology-strabismus clinics, one in Cuba and one in Romania, were provided a digital camera and a computer in order to obtain and then transmit by e-mail patient images obtained according to a prescribed format. Ophthalmologists in both of these programs were instructed personally during an orientation period in their clinics. Training included use of a digital camera and computer, patient examination, and surgical technique in the operating room. Four additional programs referred patients via digital images after receiving only written and oral instruction.

The diagnosis and treatment plan determined by one of us (E.M.H.) for each of the first 15 Cuban patients after study of digital images sent by e-mail was the same as the diagnosis and treatment plan determined by the same observer after in-person examination of the patients. On the basis of the level of confidence attained in these patients, 35 additional patients from a total of 6 clinics were seen by digital consultation only.

A store-and-forward telemedicine consultation technique that uses digital images and e-mail holds promise to be an effective means for carrying out consultation for patients with strabismus.