Nearly half of the 500 participants at risk for glaucoma-associated diseases (GAD) enrolled in the Alabama Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine investigation were referred for follow-up examination, suggesting the program’s effectiveness, according to a report in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Participants were at risk for GAD based on age, race/ethnicity, current diagnosis of GAD, family history, and diabetes status. They were screened for visual acuity, autorefraction, and intraocular pressure. Visual field testing and fundus imaging were also performed. Researchers looked at rates of disease detection, referral, attendance of follow-up, and the participants’ perspectives on the screening. The mean age of the participants was 58 years, 45.6% were Black and 51.6% were White. Remote diagnostic evaluation of ocular screening by an ophthalmologist revealed 30% GAD, 6.8% diabetic retinopathy, 37.6% cataract, 68.4% refractive error, and 9.2% other eye conditions. More than three-quarters of those referred attended the follow-up examination and more than 85% reported being very satisfied.

“The high percentage of patients diagnosed with treatable eye conditions at telemedicine screening suggest these programs in [federally qualified health centers] can be effective and scalable nationwide,” the investigators wrote. GP