Telemedicine: Strabismus e-consultation

Background: Volunteer ophthalmologists can achieve success with teaching and service programs working with high intensity over a short term. Continuation of initially successful programs may be limited by lack of timely, effective communication and follow-up. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, a total of 6 telemedicine programs were established after a successful trial program at the Ramon Pando Ferrer Hospital in Havana, Cuba. Methods: Two pediatric ophthalmology-strabismus clinics, one in Cuba and one in Romania, 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 personally 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 digital images after receiving only written and oral instruction. Results: The diagnosis and treatment plan determined by one of us (E.M.H.) for each of the 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 observer 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-and-forward telemedicine consultation technique that uses digital images and e-mail holds promise to be an effective means for carrying out consultation for patients with strabismus. (J AAPOS 2001;5:291-6)