Telemedicine is gaining the attention of an increasing number of medical researchers. It combines technology and medicine and has ushered in a new era for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease. As ophthalmology relies heavily on visual images, it is not surprising that ophthalmologists have quickly adapted to telemedicine. The aim of this article is to assess the current state of teleophthalmology given
the sudden surge in telemedicine demand as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A structured review of the literature was carried out from 2000 to 2021. A literature search was conducted through several search engines, but mainly through Google Scholar and Saudi Digital Library, the latter containing hundreds of medical databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science. The COVID-19 pandemic created a demand for healthcare delivery that limits in-person examination and potential viral exposure. Teleophthalmology allows ophthalmologists to continue caring for their patients while keeping themselves and their patients safe. Although challenges to its full implementation still exist, the pandemic has accelerated its adoption. As a result, teleophthalmology is foreseen to play an integral role in providing efficient and high-quality care in the near future.
Key words: Telemedicine, teleophthalmology, COVID-19, artificial intelligence, neural networks
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