OT  focuses on… remote technologies

Available anywhere

IbisVision has launched a new telemedicine platform, IBIS-Connect. The solution seamlessly connects clinicians with patients in real-time.

Popular tests on the platform include visual acuity, visual fields, Amsler and colour tests. These can all be performed on a laptop or computer, with no need for a chin or head rest, the company said, as optometrists can accurately position their patients remotely.

As the platform is interactive, optometrists can see and speak to patients while tracking their test progress.

The IbisVision platform is accessible through a web browser, and so does not require any software to be installed.

The company suggested: “IBIS-Connect introduces an entirely new way of testing patients and presents a great opportunity for the optometry industry to make access to eye care more accessible and convenient for everyone.”

Patient engagement

Optimed has highlighted its Captiv8 Connect app as a remote consultation and patient education platform. Accessible through iOS and Android devices, and set to be available through a web browser application from early 2022, the platform provides virtual consultation tools and patient education as part of a seamless workflow for optometrists.

Patients are provided with a link to their virtual consultation via SMS, and as the call takes place in a web browser, patients do not need to download any additional software. The platform is compliant for GDPR and the peer-to-peer encrypted consultations utilise web real-time communication technology to deliver high quality video and audio.

The platform is updated every four months, with recent additions including a feature that enables users to create a unique QR code which patients can scan in-practice to view educational animations on a practice branded web page.

The company also has plans to roll out a new e-referral application in early 2022 that will support the transfer of information between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Commenting on the new developments, Dr Trusit Dave said: “The Captiv8 Connect apps make remote communication simple, without the cost of any on-going subscription. With our new QR code generation, staff also save time on explaining complex services like myopia management – all you do is print off the QR code generated by the app and ask patients to scan it on their mobile.

“The app also allows you to gain more online reviews because once patients view the animations, they can leave a review on any review site like Google, Facebook or Trustpilot.”

Home monitoring

Mainline Instruments has highlighted the iCare Home2 tonometer, designed for home use by glaucoma patients who need regular intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring.

The device is based on the rebound measuring principle meaning that no air puff or anaesthetic is required. It also hosts an intelligent positioning system for correct alignment and to ensure high-quality measurements, with the device only taking a measurement when the smart light is green.

The device can be used when lying down and has a scope of 200 degrees of use.

The iCare Home2 device also features a fully integrated app for iOS and Android, and utilises a cloud solution for healthcare professionals and patients. The software allows patients to see the results and upload IOP data to their eye care practitioner remotely and safely. The solution also has an option for independent patient use through the cloud, and an app that enables data storage and review.

New tools

AOS has rolled-out its latest product update, AOS 3.1, with a range of features designed to support eye care practitioners in managing contact lens and dry eye patients.

Highlighting how the technology works to support the practitioner, Nathan Little, chief strategy officer for AOS, commented: “The AOS technology was designed to empower ECPs and patients by providing unique solutions to bridge the gap between in-clinic and remote care.”

A key addition to the update includes tools designed to help practitioners in measuring the perimeter of contact lenses, rotation angle and the position of toric lenses, using the LARS principle. A new video capture and analysis mode also aids ECPs in monitoring the movement and centralisation of the lens on the patient’s eye.

Alongside this, the company has improved PDF reporting capability to allow patients to better visualise marked-up results and gain a “more in-depth understanding of the care pathway.”

When deployed in the clinic, Little suggested the AOS platform, “provides ECPs with an objective assessment tool for ocular hyperemia, corneal trauma, fluorescein staining, dry eye and contact lens fitting.”

He added that the platform can also support “synchronous and asynchronous remote care” through the telemedicine solutions, as well as through images and videos captured through the patient mobile application.

“Leveraging these tools, the ECP has the ability to manage special cases remotely, like contact lens aftercare and triage,” Little suggested.

As part of the update, the AOS Vision app now enables patients and ECPs to capture and transfer 10 second videos, with access to native camera controls including zoom, contrast and exposure. ECPs can view these videos through the website system, controlling playback speed and capturing stills.