Open AccessA Systematic Review of Current Teleophthalmology Services in New Zealand Compared to the Four Comparable Countries of the United Kingdom, Australia, United States of America (USA) and Canada
Author(s) -
Liam G. Walsh,
Sheng Chiong Hong,
Renoh Johnson Chalakkal,
Kelechi C. Ogbuehi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1177-5483
pISSN - 1177-5467
DOI - 10.2147/opth.s294428
Subject(s) - medicine , optometry , library science , ophthalmology , family medicine , computer science
Over 700,000 New Zealanders (NZ), particularly elderly and Māori, live without timely access to specialist ophthalmology services. Teleophthalmology is a widely recognised tool that can assist in overcoming resource and distance barriers. Teleophthalmology gained unprecedented traction in NZ during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. However, its provision is still limited and there are equity issues. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review identifying, describing and contrasting teleophthalmology services in NZ with the comparable countries of Australia, USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.