Enhancing diabetic retinopathy screening: Non-mydriatic fundus photography-assisted telemedicine for improved clinical management

Abstract

The utilization of non-mydriatic fundus photography-assisted telemedicine to screen patients with diabetes mellitus for diabetic retinopathy provides an accurate, efficient, and cost-effective method to improve early detection of disease. It has also been shown to correlate with increased participation of patients in other aspects of diabetes care. In particular, patients who undergo teleretinal imaging are more likely to meet Comprehensive Diabetes Care Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set metrics, which are linked to preservation of quality-adjusted life years and additional downstream healthcare savings.

Keywords: Diabetes; Diabetic retinopathy; Telemedicine; Tele-ophthalmology; Non-mydriatic fundus photography-assisted telemedicine; Vision screening; Preventative health services; Health policy

Core Tip: Point-of-care screening for diabetic retinopathy by means of teleretinal imaging provides an effective and economical method to improve early detection of eye disease in at-risk populations. Non-mydriatic fundus photography (NMFP)-assisted telemedicine allows critical ophthalmic examinations to reach individuals when resources for eye care are limited or difficult to access. As technology continues to evolve, further research efforts should focus on refining NMFP-assisted telemedicine protocols and evaluating its long-term impact on patient outcomes across the spectrum of healthcare settings.