Telemedical evaluation and management of retinopathy of prematurity using a fiberoptic digital fundus camera.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine whether retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be evaluated and managed telemedically.


METHODS
Multicenter noncomparative case series.


METHODS
Ten patients (19 eyes) with ROP were evaluated and treated per standard of care and imaged with the RetCam 120 digital fundus camera (Massie Research Laboratories, Inc., Dublin, CA).


METHODS
Images were transmitted to a remote site for evaluation and management recommendations.


METHODS
Telemedical evaluations and management recommendations were compared with traditional on-site standard of care evaluations and treatments.


RESULTS
The identification of Plus disease at the remote site was accurately identified in 95% of eyes. Prethreshold, threshold, and stage 4 or 5 ROP were correctly detected in 17 of 19 (89%) eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate ROP can be evaluated and treatment recommendations made at remote sites with telemedicine strategies.
Schwartz
S D
SD
Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Harrison
S A
SA
Ferrone
P J
PJ
Trese
M T
MT
D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D053685:Laser Therapy; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D014821:Vitrectomy