Teleophthalmology is the ability to perform eye exams over a long distance virtually. The ability to have real time image transference is crucial to do this.
Researchers have demonstrated how an iPhone 4S connected to a slitlamp can adequately transfer video in real time from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China to an iPhone 5 in Miami, Florida.
An iPhone 4s was connected to a slitlamp using a relay lens and an iPhone app called SimpleCam was utilized to lock the focal plane during imaging.
Skype was utilized for the video call, and still pictures were taken as well during the test. The viewer in Florida was able to see the real time images on their iPhone 5 via Skype, and able to identify features such as the limbus and iris, along with other key anatomy.
The viewer in Florida was able to guide the operator of the slitlamp in China on how to use the slitlamp in real time, and an ophthalmologic exam was able to be performed remotely.
The researchers commented on how cheap it was to set up the iPhone 4s to the slitlamp machine in China.
This type of setup could be utilized by ophthalmologists to help with consultation for patients in developing countries. Often times ophthalmologists will go overseas to perform procedures, but several days can first be spent doing eye exams to determine who needs an actual intervention performed.
This type of low cost tele-setup (the slitlamp itself is not cheap) could help triage the patients overseas appropriately, enabling ophthalmologists to see more patients when they go overseas, or from the comfort of their office.
