A new study found that eye exams with a smartphone camera may have promise for early detection of Retinal damage in residents of third world countries. It is estimated that 8 in 10 people with diabetes worldwide live in developing and emerging countries, whose health systems aren’t equipped for Retinal screening of diabetics, and who are most at high risk for loss of vision and ultimately blindness. The study involved having medical assistants document changes in a patient’s Retina by filming the back of the eye with a smartphone camera, then sending those images to a trained Ophthalmologist for further diagnosis. The initial study was presented with an award for innovative digital approaches in the fight against diabetes, and has tremendous potential for improving eye care in developing countries. Learn more at https://bit.ly/383OHzl .
