Comparison between conventional care model and proposed model of investigation units in community (IUCs) with teleconsultation.
| Conventional model | Proposed model | |
| Requirement of physical visit at tertiary eye care centre: | ||
| Stable glaucoma cases | All examinations and consultations done at tertiary eye care centre | Nil |
| Stable retinal disease cases | All examinations and consultations done at tertiary eye care centre | Nil (unless drop in vision >2 lines/vision-threatening signs detected at IUC) |
| Postcataract surgery cases | All three postsurgery consultations done at tertiary eye care centre (ie, day 1, week 1, month 1 visits) | Only needed on day 1 (if stable/uneventful in subsequent visits) |
| Involvement of ophthalmologists: | ||
| Stable glaucoma and retinal disease cases | Ophthalmologist needed to perform physical examinations and face-to-face consultations | Remote review of investigational results, followed by teleconsultation. No physical examinations required |
| Postcataract surgery cases | Ophthalmologist needed to perform physical examinations and face-to-face consultations for all three postsurgery evaluations (ie, day 1, week 1, month 1 visits) | Physical examination by ophthalmologists only needed on day 1 |
| Use of digital means/telemedicine: | SMS/text reminder for appointments. |
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