Detecting Common Eye Diseases Using a Teleophthalmology GlobeChek Kiosk: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose : The leading causes of blindness are cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Although the prevalence of these diseases is increasing, the number of ophthalmologists remains stable. Therefore, additional tools are required to improve the efficiency of screening and increase access to care. Our study utilized a teleophthalmology GlobeCheck kiosk - the first in the United States - at a location with high volume and accessibility in northern Manhattan (NY) and explored its the benefit and feasibility community-based screening program.

Methods : Between June and October 2018, a GlobeChek teleophthalmology kiosk was placed in in front of the emergency room in our hospital, and any person over the age 18 years who desired a routine eye screening examination was eligible to participate in this cross-sectional study. A technician screened each participant, and the acquired data was reviewed by a trained eye care specialist (ophthalmologists and/or optometrist). Screening included a questionnaire, visual acuity, OCT images (anterior and posterior segments) autorefraction, keratometry, tonometry, visual fields, HbA1c analysis, blood pressure measurement, and BMI. The results accompanied with follow-up recommendations were shared with the participant (via mail, email, or in person) within 2 weeks. Additional follow-up calls were scheduled for 1, 2, and 3 months after the initial screen

Results : 326 participants were screened and had readable images at the teleophthalmology kiosk. More than half of the participants (53.99%) had not received an eye examination within the past 2 years and 11 (3.37%) had never received an eye examination. A sight-threatening eye disease or condition was newly detected in 159 (48.77%) of the participants. 118 (36.20%) participants were glaucoma suspects, 21 (6.44%) with narrow angles, 16 (4.91%) participates with angle closure, 6 (1.84%) with diabetic retinopathy, 3 (0.92%) with macular degeneration, and 1 (0.31%) with cataracts

Conclusions : Teleophthalmology using a GlobeChek kiosk was feasible and effective in identifying the four most common causes of blindness. Our study also demonstrates the potential of increasing the access of care and preventing blindness utilizing a teleophthalmology kios

This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.

 

Globechek Kiosk for ophthalmic screening

 

Operator interface