Addressing the Third Epidemic of Retinopathy of Prematurity Through Telemedicine and Technology: A Systematic Review
Tala Al-Khaled, Nita Valikodath, Samir Patel, Emily Cole, Margaret A. Chervinko, Christina E. Douglas, Andrew Tsai, Wei‐Chi Wu, J. Peter Campbell, Michael F. Chiang, R.V. Paul Chan
Abstract
The rising prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in low- and middle-income countries has increased the need for screening at-risk infants. The purpose of this article was to review the impact of tele-medicine and technology on ROP screening programs. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was performed using PubMed, Pro-Quest, and Google Scholar bibliographic search engine. Terms searched included retinopathy of prematurity, telemedicine, and tele-ophthalmology. Data regarding internet access and gross domestic product per capita were obtained from the World Bank. Information was also obtained about internet access, speeds, and costs in low-income countries. There has been increasing integration of telemedicine and technology for ROP screening and management. Low-income countries are using available internet options and information and communications technology for ROP screening, which can aid in addressing the unique challenges faced by low-income countries. This provides a promising solution to the third epidemic of ROP by expanding and improving screening and management. Although telemedicine systems may serve as a cost-effective approach to facilitate delivery of health care, programs (especially in lowand middle-income countries) require national support to maintain its infrastructure. [ J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus . 2021;58(4):261–269.]