The Benefits and Challenges of Implementing Teleophthalmology in Low-Resource Settings: A Systematic Review

Technology has significantly changed medical practice, including diagnosis, treatment, and availability. Telemedicine use in the specialty of ophthalmology seems to be a promising field. In underserved populations, limited coverage of ophthalmic healthcare facilities results in a higher burden of eye-related diseases and visual impairment. The main obstacle preventing these individuals from receiving eye care consultations is difficulty in access and transportation. There is an urgent need for eye care facilities for these people, and teleophthalmology has the potential to provide eye care facilities to these underserved people. Teleophthalmology was reported as cost-effective, time-saving, reliable, and efficient for underserved populations. However, teleophthalmology has certain limitations in its implementation in the form of a high initial cost of equipment, problems with consistent electricity and internet supply, and the reluctance of people in certain regions toward acceptance of teleophthalmology. This systematic review assessed the benefits and challenges of implementing teleophthalmology in low-resource settings.