Telemedicine Retinal Screening Utilizing a Mobile Medical Unit

Study Summary

Objective: To test the accuracy of a referral system for diabetic eye disease conducted by a trained screener using a digital camera, a mobile medical unit and a centralized image-storing software in underserved, ethnically diverse neighborhoods in San Diego. Methods and Research Design: Retinal screening exams were offered at 8 community health centers for 1229 individuals, ages 16-80 years with diabetes throughout San Diego County over 18 months. Images were captured with a special digital camera, securely transferred to a software system and read independently by a trained technician and retinal specialist. An analysis was conducted to evaluate who had severe eye disease and how accurate the reading of the technician were compared to the expert ophthalmologist readings. The investigators would like to demonstrate that telemedicine retinal screening utilizing a mobile medical unit with a trained technician in high-risk, ethnically diverse populations can accurately detect positive and negative disease. This may be a model to increase access to retinal examination in order to meet current guidelines and can allow more efficient use of the retinal specialist to evaluate and treat disease leading to a more cost efficient method of care.