RISHI RAJ

Eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, refractive error, etc. are some of the major causes of blindness and visual impairment. Timely medical interventions in the form of screening, diagnosis, and treatment are imperative to prevent vision loss. This is a cause of concern among the rural populations that lack access due to the non-availability of treatment within their vicinity.

With a major chunk of the Indian population residing in rural areas and the distribution of ophthalmologists majorly in urban areas, delivering quality eye health services to underserved communities poses a challenge. However, technology and telecommunication have transformed the way healthcare is delivered and serves as the gateway to addressing the barrier to access and enabling timely intervention.

Orbis has taken a stride ahead in bridging the gap between quality eye care and the people who receive it by harnessing the efficiency, access, and reach of technology and telecommunications through Teleophthalmology and the Cybersight platform.

Teleophthalmology

Teleophthalmology is a cost-effective and time-saving approach as the patient can connect with an ophthalmologist located elsewhere. Here, the patients who visit the primary vision centers situated in places that lack access are examined by optometrists. Depending on the requirement of further examination or treatment, the patient is referred to the ophthalmologists who may be stationed at a different hospital and examines them virtually. Based on teleconsultation and virtual diagnosis, the ophthalmologist may prescribe the medication or treatment plan. Beyond diagnosis and referrals, teleophthalmology also offers avenues for preoperative planning, regular monitoring, and post-operative follow-ups. This enhances the availability and access to eye health services among the population.

Cybersight

Through its award-winning telemedicine platform Cybersight, Orbis has been training and building capacities of eye health professionals. Cybersight is an online training platform that facilitates mentorship, case discussions, and webinars and connects ophthalmic professionals with experts from across the globe. This has been instrumental in developing a cadre of trained eye health professionals who upskill themselves and deliver eye health services in their own communities, thus helping percolate access and quality of care.

With digitalisation affecting most sectors, healthcare is no exception. Timely intervention plays a critical role in combating preventable blindness. Therefore, strengthening the infrastructure is pivotal to enabling ophthalmology. Further, regular eye checkups can help keep vision issues at bay.

Views expressed by Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director- India, Orbis

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