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

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Geriatrics
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Elderly individuals in long-term care facilities often have chronic conditions like diabetes, increasing their risk for eye diseases.
• Routine eye care is crucial for this population but can be challenging to access due to mobility and logistical issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a pilot tele-retinal screening program expansion.
• To assess the effectiveness of teleophthalmology in a long-term care setting for elderly patients with Type II diabetes mellitus.

Main Methods:

• A pilot expansion of the Toronto Tele-Retinal Screening Program was conducted in a long-term care home.
• Retinal imaging was performed on Type II diabetes mellitus patients between April 1, 2022, and July 1, 2022.
• Demographic and health data were collected via surveys, and patient experiences were recorded.

Main Results:

• 85.7% of 28 screened patients successfully underwent retinal imaging.
• Identified pathologies included uncontrolled glaucoma (4.1%), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (8.3%), and age-related macular degeneration (45.8%).
• The handheld camera was effective for patients with mobility issues (60% success rate), and 90% of patients reported a positive experience.

Conclusions:

• Teleophthalmology is a feasible and patient-friendly alternative for routine eye care in long-term care facilities.
• This program highlights the need for accessible eye care in the elderly and can help reduce healthcare disparities.
• Future teleophthalmology policies should address the specific needs of long-term care residents.