Teleophthalmology care model for Sri Lanka

Introduction and objectives: The ophthalmic disease burden poses a global challenge, with teleophthalmology emerging as a digital health intervention to bridge gaps in care delivery. The objective of this study was to propose a tailored teleophthalmology model for the local context.
Material and method: Qualitative study methodology was adopted to conduct this study, in 2 phases. Thematic analysis performed during phase 1 of the study on shortlisted articles about already established teleophthalmology care models revealed 5 key components of low-resource settings. During phase 2, using the Delphi technique, the expertise of 10 Sri Lankan ophthalmologists was obtained to refine and reorganize the identified components of the model, to organize them into a locally adoptable teleophthalmology model.
Results: Discovered key components of the model were disease contexts, type of care, telemedicine principles, necessary technologies, and contact points. The panelists achieved consensus on the teleophthalmology model. A schematic representation of the teleophthalmology model was done. Electronic medical records and artificial intelligence were considered necessary adjuvants to the model.
Discussion and conclusion: There is an opportunity to establish a locally favorable teleophthalmology care delivery model with the acceptance of the wider stakeholder community of eye care in Sri Lanka. Policy direction, prototyping, and use of standardized equipment are recommended prior to implanting this model.