Oculo has launched video conferencing to support teleophthalmology and teleoptometry. The new secure, high fidelity and stable service has been developed to help protect eye care professionals and patients during the threat of COVID-19. It will allow optometrists and ophthalmologists to continue delivering care to those who require ongoing support to manage chronic conditions while reducing the need for in-person consultations.
We have built the new video conferencing feature to support ongoing care while alleviating the risks posed by close contact
“The coronavirus pandemic is creating unprecedented strains on health systems. At the same time, the eye care needs for people with pre-existing chronic diseases – including diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and macular disease – are unchanged.” said Dr Kate Taylor, CEO of Oculo.
Launching week commencing 6 April, the new service will enable Oculo customers to conduct teleconsultations directly from the Oculo platform.
Professor Bill Morgan of the Lions Eye Institute in Perth said, “Patients with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are on average in their 70s and 80s, a known risk factor for an adverse outcome with COVID-19 ( ~ 15% mortality). Diabetes patients tend to be somewhat younger (typically in their 60s), but because diabetes is a known significant risk factor, they fall into the high risk COVID-19 band also.”
“We want to work with the community to protect patients both from infection with COVID-19 and preventable vision loss. We are also deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of everyone who works in eye care. We have built the new video conferencing feature to support ongoing care while alleviating the risks posed by close contact,” explains Dr Taylor. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to promote security, privacy and quality care.”
View a video demonstration of the new teleconsultation feature here.
