Is the Teleophthalmology Diagnosis and Treatment System a Safe, Economic, and Sustainable Technology in Low- and Middle-Income Countries? (Preprint)

Abstract

Following the rapid development of telemedicine, some emerging technologies, such as teleophthalmology screening or treatment systems, are gradually introduced not only in high-income countries but also in low- and middle-income countries, and their clinical safety and economy have been confirmed through researches based on virtual models. However, up to now, there is still not a comprehensive and systematic teleophthalmology diagnosis and treatment system, and the follow-up health economic evaluation of this system is still lacking in the real world. In this viewpoint, we describe the potential strengths and challenges of teleophthalmology diagnosis and treatment system. Under the guidance of this viewpoint, policy makers in low- and middle-income countries can complete the health economic assessment of this system, and promote its popularization and application in county hospitals.