The Toronto Tele-Retinal Screening Program for the Elderly in Long-Term Care: A Pilot Project

To report the results and feasibility of a pilot expansion of the Toronto Tele-Retinal Screening Program in an elderly long-term care home.

Long term care patients with Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) were screened between April 1, 2022, and July 1, 2022. Demographic and health data were collected through surveys.

A total of 28 patients were screened, with 85.7% successfully undergoing retinal imaging. Among imaged patients, 8.3% (2/24) required urgent follow-up. Pathologies identified included uncontrolled glaucoma (4.1%, 1/24), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (8.3%, 2/24), and age-related macular degeneration (45.8%, 11/24). The handheld camera successfully screened 60% (3/5) of patients with mobility issues. Overall, 90% (17/19) of patients rated their experience as either "brilliant" or "really good".

This pilot project demonstrated the necessity for routine eye care in the elderly and the potential for widespread implementation of teleophthalmology in long-term care facilities. With only 14.3% (4/28) of patients unable to be imaged, this program offers a feasible, patient-friendly alternative to in-clinic screening. Future policies and practices in teleophthalmology should consider the unique needs of long-term care residents and the potential for reducing healthcare disparities through such a program.