Teleophthalmology

Improving access to screening for diabetic retinopathy across the province.

Teleophthalmology for Organizations | Retinal Screening for Patients with Diabetes: Content

The value of distance retinal screening

Diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes, is most treatable when asymptomatic. The challenge is that patient appointments with ophthalmologists can take months to schedule and involve significant travel and related expenses. OTN’s Teleophthalmology program enables timely, accessible eye care, so eye disease is more likely to be discovered — and treated — before irreversible vision loss. It’s an effective option for communities with many patients with diabetes. The program, which has served more than 10,000 patients across the province to date, also generates invaluable detail on outcomes, time to referral, grading, and clinical markers.

How it works

Patients have their eyes imaged at a Teleophthalmology site. The images are placed on OTN’s secure server and securely forwarded or “uploaded” to an ophthalmologist for assessment, diagnosis, and/or treatment recommendations. The referring physician then coordinates the necessary follow-up care.

Diabetes Canada recommends that people with diabetes have their eyes checked every 1-2 years. Refer your patients to a site or contact OTN for more information.

The referral process

Physicians identify patients with diabetes who can benefit from retinal screening closer to home and refer them to be seen at one of 10 Teleophthalmology sites across Ontario.

Contact a Teleophthalmology site to refer a patient

Interested in delivering distance retinal screening?

If you are interested in being a Teleophthalmology retinal screening site, please contact OTN for more information.

Contact OTN for more information on offering virtual care supported retinal screening services at your site.

Contact Us

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