Implementation of Vision Therapy Using Telehealth Services in an Academic Practice

Background: In telehealth, care is delivered through a virtual platform with the provider and the patient using a real-time audio and video telecommunication system. Interest in telemedicine services has grown considerably since the clinic closures enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we outline the implementation of telehealth services for delivering vision therapy at our academic clinical practice. Methods: A secure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant service with synchronous audio-video capability was chosen as the platform for delivery of care. The office staff and the providers underwent training on how to use the platform for patient enrollment and conducting visits respectively. To ensure continuity of care, patients who were previously receiving vision therapy were offered and enrolled in telehealth if interested. Components of a virtual visit and documentation of the visit are discussed. Conclusions: Since its implementation, our telehealth-based vision therapy service has been welcomed both by the providers and patients. Given the current state of the pandemic, interest in implementing telehealth services is likely to grow. The relaxed policies and regulations for telehealth in response to COVID-19 are temporary. Sustainable and successful implementation depends on feasibility, user satisfaction, improvement in clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness. Evaluation of these telehealth attributes for vision therapy is warranted for informed-decision making.