Boothe Eye Care Supports Technological Advances, Improvements in Emergency Diagnostic Procedures
Online, August 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Emergency rooms do not always have access to the expertise of a trained and experienced ophthalmologist. This is a challenge for many hospitals, particularly when an emergency case comes in that requires the insight of an eye expert. To overcome this hurdle, Reuters reports that some hospitals are considering using smartphone technology to connect ophthalmologists with patients when the doctors cannot be physically present at the hospital. Boothe Eye Care, located in Plano, Texas, supports this innovative use of technology.
According to the article, smartphone technology has the potential to send pictures of eye injuries to ophthalmologists. From these pictures, the eye experts can determine what needs to be done to treat the patient and a care plan can be drawn up. Unfortunately, this solution will not work in every case, as it will only be able to provide pictures of the exterior of the eye to ophthalmologists.
But smartphones are able to jump this hurdle, as well. By taking digital pictures of the inside of the eye, using advanced cameras, and then sending the image through the smartphone, doctors can still gain access to information about the case and advise emergency room professionals regarding the best way to address injuries to the eye. With many medical facilities adopting smartphone-centered processes, this may be seen as a natural evolution of the place that smartphone technology holds in the medical industry.
While this form of treatment by no means replaces an in-person eye examination, healthcare professionals believe that it may assist in triaging patients more accurately.
Dr. Valerie Biousse, of Emory University, comments: "Using (an) iPhone to transmit images to colleagues as a help with patient triage in the ER is a new concept. ER departments are working at improving acute patient care by developing ways to access specialty consultations such as ophthalmology."
The professionals at Boothe Eye Care agree that smartphone technology, though perhaps not a perfect solution, possesses a great deal of potential.
"The ability to send patient photos to ophthalmologists from the emergency room will improve patient care because it will act as a bridge between ER doctors and the specialists that they need," comments Dr. William Boothe. "Although official diagnoses may not be made in this way, it certainly improves patient care and, ultimately, may save the sight of patients."
ABOUT:
Led by Dr. William Boothe, Boothe Eye Care, is an ophthalmology office that provides both general care and specialized treatment of conditions related to the cornea. Boothe Eye Care, as a practice, has performed over 130,000 LASIK vision correction procedures and is known throughout the Plano community for its knowledgeable and inviting staff. Additionally, the professionals at Boothe Eye Care are committed to providing the highest degree of customer service while ensuring the utmost in medical care to each and every patient.