Importance of Integrating OCT (Anterior/Posterior) in Teleophthalmology Practice

Abstract

Recent healthcare challenges & necessity to provide healthcare to growing population has necessitated the need to improvise telemedicine. Teleophthalmology has been a challenging area of Telemedicine. Newer imaging techniques are being employed in Teleophthalmology to enhance quality of care. Spectral Domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), the gold standard for ocular imaging in conventional eye-clinics is being studied in conjunction with Teleophthalmology. Aim: Assess the advantages & disadvantages of integrating SD-OCT in Teleophthalmology. Method: Review of published papers on teleophthalmology that used SD-OCT regardless of their main aims. 9 such articles have been included. Conclusion: Teleophthalmology has the potential to fill the gap in healthcare access when integrated with SD-OCT. It promises to be a promising tool. However, further research is needed to ascertain its efficacy.