Telemedicine: Strabismus e-consultation

Background: Volunteer ophthalmologists can achieve success with teaching an d service programs working with high intensity over a short term. Continuat ion of initially successful programs may be limited by lack of timely, eff active communication and follow-up. In an attempt to overcome these limitat ions, a total of 6 telemedicine programs were established after a successfu l trial program at the Ramon Pando Ferrer Hospital in Havana, Cuba. Methods : Two pediatric ophthalmology-strabismus clinics, one in Cuba and one in Ro mania, were provided a digital camera and a computer in order to obtain and then transmit by e-mail patient images obtained according to a prescribed format. Ophthalmologists in both of these programs were instructed personal ly during an orientation period in their clinics. Training included use of a digital camera and computer, patient examination, and surgical technique in the operating room. Four additional programs referred patients via digit al images after receiving only written and oral instruction. Results. The d iagnosis and treatment plan determined by one of us (E.M.H.) for each of th e first 15 Cuban patients after study of digital images sent by e-mail was the same as the diagnosis and treatment plan determined by the same observe r after in-person examination of the patients. On the basis of the level of confidence attained in these patients, 35 additional patients from a total of 6 clinics were seen by digital consultation only. Conclusion: A store-a nd-forward telemedicine consultation technique that uses digital images and e-mail holds promise to be an effective means for carrying out consultatio n for patients with strabismus.