UAB Expands Telehealth Platform to Serve Patients With Vision Problems

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is expanding its telehealth platform to help diagnose and treat patients with vision problems.

UAB Eye Care, a clinical division of UAB’s School of Optometry, is offering a telehealth option – complete with an mHealth kit delivered to the home – for patients who might not feel comfortable driving to a clinic to have their eyes tested or treated.

“Public health experts predict a rise in visual impairment globally because of an aging population,” Terri Call, OD, an assistant professor in the School of Optometry, said in a press release. “This trend will increase the demand for low-vision services. This expansion will allow us to meet growing demand.”

The vision testing process comes in two phases for most patients. UAB Eye Care first sends a kit to the patient’s home containing a tablet and/or cellphone and the appropriate software to enable the patient to connect with the provider for an initial virtual visit. Prior to a follow-up visit, the patient receives a second kit with several mHealth devices, from which he or she selects the most useful ones. At any time in-person visits can be included if needed.

Aside from addressing concerns related to in-person care during the pandemic, the connected health platform improves access to care for patients who have difficulty scheduling medical appointments or traveling to a care provider. This would include people in rural areas, those with family and employment commitments and those without access to reliable transportation.

“We are well-equipped to care for patients who are unable to travel,” Crystal Maharrey, OD, one of two clinical assistant professors offering telehealth services for low-vision care, said in the press release. “This is one of the primary goals of our telemedicine services.”