#None #Orbis International #retinoblastoma #Cybersight

Improving Care through Telemedicine

Recent research conducted by Orbis International in partnership with Heidelberg Engineering indicates that telemedicine plays a crucial role in enhancing the treatment for children diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a type of childhood cancer that can lead to severe visual impairment and even death. The study, published in JCO Global Oncology, highlights the effectiveness of virtual mentoring through the Cybersight platform, which also offers e-learning opportunities for eye care professionals in low and middle-income countries.

Each year, around 9,000 children globally are diagnosed with retinoblastoma, yet only an alarming 40% survive beyond three years. This dismal survival rate is largely due to the late diagnosis and inadequate access to healthcare experienced by 92% of children in low-income regions. Orbis’s telemedicine approach provides a valuable solution by enhancing the skill set of eye care professionals without the need for expensive infrastructure or travel. The Cybersight platform has demonstrated considerable success, having delivered over 30,000 tele-consultations and assisting eye care professionals in diagnosing complex cases globally, extending even to conflict-stricken areas like Ukraine and Syria.

Dr. Hunter Cherwek, Vice President of Clinical Services at Orbis, states, “Retinoblastoma can be effectively treated when detected early, but many children are not diagnosed in time due to insufficient resources in their countries. Leveraging technology can bridge this gap and significantly elevate healthcare outcomes for children, especially in remote areas lacking specialized pediatric eye doctors.” This study's findings underscore how virtual mentorship can impart critical skills necessary for managing retinoblastoma, which is especially crucial in regions where eye care is limited.

The systematic study reviewed 653 consultations on retinoblastoma conducted via Cybersight between 2004 and 2023 involving 38 mentor-doctor pairs. The results demonstrated substantial gains in key areas: assessment and documentation of patient symptoms, classification of the cancer type, and the effectiveness of treatments administered. This evolution indicates how vital knowledge sharing can elevate medical practices in low-resource areas.

Orbis International has been a driving force in improving global eye health for over 40 years, operating in over 200 countries. Their initiatives not only focus on treating individuals but also aim to lay down robust, sustainable systems that reduce preventable blindness. The organization’s notable projects include the Flying Eye Hospital, which brings eye care education directly to communities in need. With the platform’s reach extending to nearly every nation and 15% of the world’s ophthalmologists being registered users, Cybersight serves as a model for how digital solutions can enhance healthcare equity.

As the study affirms, telemedicine is not merely an alternative method of consultation; it represents a transformative approach that can save lives and improve quality of care for children battling retinoblastoma worldwide. The application of digital and communication technologies in this field illustrates the potential for systemic improvements in health outcomes through innovation and collaboration.

About Orbis International

Orbis International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness and vision loss globally. With numerous high-impact programs spanning Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, Orbis endeavors to build resilient eye health systems, creating lasting legacies of improved vision. Efforts include state-of-the-art training innovations and partnerships with health ministries to enhance eye care delivery. The organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability has earned it prestigious accolades, including a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the past 11 years.

For further insights into their impactful work, visit orbis.org.