Using Mobile Tethering for sharing data across devices: application in rural eye screening

Background: Eye screening programs have been effective in reducing the burden of eye diseases in the developing world. Most use paper recording systems which are prone to misplacement and are inefficient for auditing purposes. Digital data collection via mobile devices may prove more efficient, but reliable strategies information sharing between devices in rural settings remain an issue. This paper examines the speed and range of use of Mobile Tethering technology to synchronize data across devices, and hence the suitability of such devices in the eye screening setting.