Retinal Telemedicine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An update and overview of the literature on current telemedicine applications in retina.

RECENT FINDINGS: The application of telemedicine to the field of Ophthalmology and Retina has been growing with advancing technologies in ophthalmic imaging. Retinal telemedicine has been most commonly applied to diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity in adult and pediatric patients respectively. Telemedicine has the potential to alleviate the growing demand for clinical evaluation of retinal diseases. Subsequently, automated image analysis and deep learning systems may facilitate efficient processing of large, increasing numbers of images generated in telemedicine systems. Telemedicine may additionally improve access to education and standardized training through tele-education systems.

SUMMARY: Telemedicine has the potential to be utilized as a useful adjunct but not a complete replacement for physical clinical examinations. Retinal telemedicine programs should be carefully and appropriately integrated into current clinical systems.