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Ocular telehealth initiatives in diabetic retinopathy

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Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of new-onset vision loss in adults worldwide. Current medical and surgical evidence-based care, including laser photocoagulation, is effective in preserving vision. This care is most effective prior to the onset of ocular or visual symptoms, but many diabetic persons do not receive the recommended annual eye examination for the evaluation of the retina for level of DR. With diabetes incidence and prevalence increasing at epidemic rates and the prediction that 370 million people worldwide will have diabetes by the year 2030, human and fiscal resources will be unable to meet the visual needs with current acute care methods. Appropriate and validated telemedicine programs for DR hold the promise of both enrolling patients into appropriate eye care programs and, more importantly, providing more effective, high-quality diabetes eye care based on current and developing technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Jerry D. Cavallerano

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  1. Paolo S. Silva
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  2. Jerry D. Cavallerano
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  3. Lloyd M. Aiello
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Correspondence to Jerry D. Cavallerano.

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Silva, P.S., Cavallerano, J.D. & Aiello, L.M. Ocular telehealth initiatives in diabetic retinopathy. Curr Diab Rep 9, 265–271 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-009-0041-6

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