Efficacy of Telemedicine in Neuro-Ophthalmology Channelled Through "Vision Centres" in South India

Most ophthalmologists in India are based in urban areas, catering to 30-35% of the population. However, the rural population (65%) has very little or no access to tertiary eye care. Vision centres are primary eye care services situated in villages manned by trained ophthalmic technicians. These are connected to the base hospital through internet services, enabling direct patient consultation and interaction with the ophthalmologist, thus making ophthalmic services accessible and affordable by reducing travel cost and time for patients. Further evaluation and treatment are done at speciality clinics to those referred to; the base hospital.