LAUSR

PRECIS A teleglaucoma case-finding model was employed in Kenya. 3.46% of patients had definite glaucoma. 4.12% were glaucoma suspects. Most cases were moderate to advanced stage and referred for further assessment. PURPOSE To evaluate glaucoma prevalence in a high risk population using a Teleglaucoma (TG) model. METHODS Patients age 35 or older were referred to the TG program from outpatient diabetic & hypertensive clinics at Nyamira District Hospital (NDH) as well as from community awareness programs. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination included structured history, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, stereo optic nerve and macula images. A glaucoma specialist provided diagnosis and management recommendation via virtual consultation. Glaucoma diagnosis and staging was based on at least one eye meeting optic nerve criteria as specified by the Canadian glaucoma guidelines. RESULTS 1206 participants were seen and 19 of these could not complete the examination. Of 1187 patients, 56% were female and the mean age was 56.60±12.36 years. 11.8% of patients had images that were ungradable in at least one eye. The prevalence of glaucoma and glaucoma suspects was 3.46% (n=42) and 4.12% (n=50), respectively. The proportion of patients with early, moderate, advanced and absolute glaucoma was 2.4%, 33.3%, 52.4%, and 2.4%, respectively. Other diagnoses in (pathology in at least one eye) included cataract 13.2%, diabetic retinopathy 1.48% and optic atrophy 1.98%. 28.2% of patients were referred to the Innovation Eye Centre, Kisii, for further assessment. CONCLUSION A structured teleglaucoma program detected glaucoma in 3.46% of a rural Kenyan population. Timely patient referral was also initiated.