Digital Imaging in ROP Screening: Telemedicine Around the Globe

This series of podium presentations from the recent World Ophthalmology Congress discusses the use of digital imaging in the screening of pre-term babies for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Retina specialists from across the globe describe their experiences with telemedicine networks enabled by digital image capture.

The advantages of digital images in ROP screening are multifold: First off, the images are portable. Qualified ophthalmic photographers at remote locations can submit images to a central reading center for interpretation by a seasoned pediatric retinologist who can then screen dozens babies in one day without leaving the office. This overcomes geographic limitations in accessing the best care possible. Additionally, one can archive these images for patient follow-ups or in medico-legal disputes.

Though binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy allows excellent visualization of the retina, documentation of the findings is typically sketched by hand and is prone to a great deal of subjectivity resulting in a high degree of intra- and inter-operator variability.