Opinions of Turkish ophthalmologists on telemedicine applications: A national, questionnaire-based survey

PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the opinions of ophthalmologists about the use of telemedicine applications in the field of ophthalmology.
METHODS: A standardized questionnaire consisting of 20 questions about demographic information and the use of telemedicine applications in ophthalmology was sent electronically to 110 ophthalmologists. The physicians were asked to answer the questionnaire, and the data were analyzed.
RESULTS: Of the 110 physicians who received the questionnaire, 87 answered all the questions in the questionnaire, and the results were evaluated based on the answers of 87 physicians. Only 9 (11%) of the physicians stated that they had sufficient knowledge about telemedicine, and it was observed that all of these physicians were between the ages of 24–34. Fifty-eight (67%) of the physicians stated that telemedicine applications could be used, and 60 (69%) stated that the patients would also benefit from these applications. It has been observed that the rate of physicians who think that the patient-physician re-lationship will be affected by these practices is only 29 (33%). Sixty-two (74%) of the physicians stated that the telemedicine services to be provided through voice communication and video transmission in the field of ophthalmology would be insufficient, and they stated that video conversation would be appropriate.
CONCLUSION: The necessity of keeping up with the speed of technology development in health services will include telemedicine applications more in our lives. As a result of our study, we can predict that ophthalmologists will support this field if deficiencies are eliminated, and medicolegal regulations are made.