Shimizu Eisuke, Kamezaki Makoto, Nishimura Hiroki, Nakayama Shintaro, Toda Ikuko
Ophthalmology, Yokohama Keiai Eye Clinic, Yokohama, JPN.
Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN.
Cureus. 2024 Jul 22;16(7):e65153. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65153. eCollection 2024 Jul.
Chichijima Island, part of the Ogasawara Islands in Tokyo, is a remote island with a population of approximately 2,000, served by a few resident general practitioners (GPs). This case report discusses the application of teleophthalmology in managing pediatric ocular trauma on this remote island. A pediatric patient sustained an ocular injury from a badminton shuttlecock and was initially examined by a resident GP using a recordable slit-lamp microscope. The ocular images were transmitted to a mainland ophthalmologist through a telemedicine system. The specialist provided remote consultation and recommended further examination and treatment, leading to the patient's transfer to the mainland. The successful management of this case underscores the critical role of telemedicine in enhancing healthcare delivery in isolated regions. With advancements in medical technology, teleophthalmology is expected to become increasingly vital in providing specialized care in remote and underserved areas. The case highlights the importance of telemedicine in improving access to specialized medical expertise, ensuring timely and effective patient care, and potentially reducing the need for patient transfers to more equipped healthcare facilities.
父岛是东京小笠原群岛的一部分,是一座偏远岛屿,人口约2000人,有几位常驻全科医生提供医疗服务。本病例报告讨论了远程眼科在该偏远岛屿小儿眼外伤管理中的应用。一名小儿患者被羽毛球击中眼部受伤,最初由一名常驻全科医生使用可记录的裂隙灯显微镜进行检查。眼部图像通过远程医疗系统传输给一名大陆眼科医生。专家提供了远程会诊,并建议进一步检查和治疗,随后患者被转至大陆。该病例的成功处理凸显了远程医疗在改善偏远地区医疗服务方面的关键作用。随着医疗技术的进步,远程眼科在偏远和医疗服务不足地区提供专科护理方面预计将变得越来越重要。该病例突出了远程医疗在改善获得专科医疗专业知识的机会、确保及时有效的患者护理以及可能减少患者转至设备更齐全的医疗机构的必要性方面的重要性。