08/26/2026
New research presented at the 2026 Global Ophthalmology Summit reinforces the role teleophthalmology can play in expanding access to essential eye care for historically underserved communities.
A review of 90+ independent studies found that teleophthalmology programs helped overcome traditional barriers to eye care across safety-net populations, veterans, older adults, and other underserved groups.
Among the findings:
🔹 Diabetic retinopathy screening rates increased by 16% within two years
🔹 Annual retinal exam rates improved from 34% to 75% over 14 months
🔹 ~80% of older adults preferred remote screening over clinic-based visits
At Retina Labs, our mission to improve access and convenience for health plan members starts by bringing preventive eye care directly to them.
Our in-home diabetic eye exam programs help health plans meet their members where they are, ultimately reducing transportation, mobility, geographic, and scheduling barriers which often prevent members from completing their annual diabetic eye exams.
By combining in-home retinal imaging with remote clinical interpretation, proactive member outreach, and comprehensive results reporting, we help health plans reach those same members who may otherwise remain unscreened while closing more diabetic eye exam (EED) gaps in care.
https://www.ophthalmologyadvisor.com/reports/teleophthalmology-eye-care-access-underserved-populations/