Trials of a ‘virtual’ emergency consultation programme for eye patients could revolutionise treatment and free up more time for NHS practitioners.

The teleophthalmology system, which has been developed by the University of Strathclyde and NHS Forth Valley, combines 3D-printed technology with the Scottish Government-funded Attend Anywhere Video Consultation Platform.

Teleophthalmology is a branch of telemedicine that delivers eye care to patients via digital medical equipment, enabling practitioners to provide healthcare outside of clinics and remotely.

Through live feeds, doctors and opticians can connect with, and remotely examine, patients in emergency departments and high street opticians.

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Dr Mario Giardini from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Biomedical Engineering said the new system could create a “totally new way of working” that will benefit both medical practitioners and patients.

He explained: “It means anyone who goes into the emergency optometrist or the emergency department with a serious eye problem can be seen by a specialist straight away through telecommunications and be diagnosed there and then.

“It allows a totally new way of working that combines our Strathclyde technology for eye imaging, developments in mobile camera technology, high data transmission speeds and emerging telemedicine software.”

The technology uses a slit lamp microscope, which emits intense beams of light to examine the eye, along with a tablet computer that transmits a live video feed for practitioners. Adapters based on Strathclyde-developed technology are also used to allow opticians to see the back of a patient’s eye.

Meanwhile, audio is fed via the tablet computer, which researchers said transforms the microscope into a ‘talking slit lamp’. Through this, consultants can speak with the treating doctor or nurse, as well as the patient.

Successful trials have led to this now becoming part of usual practice in the emergency departments at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert and the minor injuries unit at the Stirling Health and Care Village. Seven on-call consultants working within NHS Forth Valley also use the technology.

So far, NHS Forth Valley said it has received more than 80 consecutive video referrals for urgent eye care queries. Dr Iain Livingstone, project lead and NHS Forth Valley consultant ophthalmologist, said that so far trials show that in 50% of cases the need for a hospital appointment has been saved.

“The system means that emergency cases are identified earlier and theatre teams can be mobilised more quickly, with treatment starting immediately when needed,” he said. “The feedback shows that in an estimated 50% of cases, the need for a hospital appointment has been saved.

“When a colleague needs a steer on what to do, we can have a live view through their equipment and connect them with a more nuanced plan, often preventing a trek to the eye clinic and hours of waiting in a second waiting room.”