What is Tele-Optometry?
Tele-optometry is a branch of telemedicine that can cover a wide range of problems and treatments related to vision and ocular health. Tele-medicine delivers medical care through digital medical equipment and telecommunications technology, such as online videos accessible through smartphones and tablets. This allows patients to easily receive screenings, diagnoses, prescriptions, and monitoring from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Optometrists can provide virtual medical eye consultations for a variety of eye problems, including:
- Eye infections (i.e.conjunctivitis/pink eye)
- Itchy eyes and allergies
- Eye pain and redness
- Scratched eye (i.e. corneal abrasion)
- Flashers & Floaters
- Blurred or double vision
- Distorted vision
- Dry eye syndrome
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid)
- Dermatitis
Other services:
- General Consultations
- Refractive Surgery Follow-Ups
- New Prescriptions
- Prescription Refills
Which Digital Devices Can I Use For a Virtual Eye Evaluation?
Laptop/Desktop:
You can easily do your tele-optometric visit from any laptop or desktop that’s equipped with a camera and a microphone. Having a strong internet connection will help ensure high-definition video calls.
Smartphones/ Tablets/ iPads:
Many smartphones, tablets, and iPads now have very high-resolution cameras, which are great for taking quality pictures and videos that doctors can use to provide a diagnosis.
How Can an Eye Doctor Diagnose Through a Digital Platform?
The optometrist will provide a diagnosis based both on the images and the information you supply, and if the eye doctor believes that your issues require emergency care, you will be referred to a specialist to better help treat your condition. With tele-optometry, you can feel confident that you are receiving care from a licensed, practicing eye doctor from the comfort of your home.
Will Insurance Cover My Virtual Eye Care Visit?
In most cases, insurance plans will cover telehealth visits, but to be on the safe side, we ask that you double-check with your insurance provider prior to the visit.
If you’re experiencing certain eye concerns, including red eyes, pink eyes, itchy eyes, flashes, floating spots, or double vision, contact us today to receive a diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Make a tele-optometry appointment before going to the emergency room or urgent care clinic to avoid the wait and any potential exposure to COVID-19. Contact us at Lucent Family Eye Care at Burnaby to schedule your in-home eye evaluation today!
Lucent Family Eye Care serves patients from Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Surrey, and throughout British Columbia.