title: Teleophthalmology: rationale, current issues, future directions.
abstract: Relatively little information exists concerning the delivery of ophthalmic services via telemedicine, yet ophthalmology is particularly amenable to the utilization of such applications. This paper discusses the technological issues pertinent to the research, development, and assessment of teleophthalmology delivery systems and begins to define the parameters that will determine the sustainability of teleophthalmology. A prototype urban teleophthalmology delivery system is presented in the context of improving access to eye care for an underserved inner-city population. Potential enhancements to the prototype telephthalmology system are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Ophthalmology, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Flowers
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khanna
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: March
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Murrillo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003153:Community Health Services; D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology; D012577:Schools, Medical; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019037:Urban Health Services