Expanding access to glaucoma care with innovative telehealth

Central Alabama VA is working with the VISN 7 Clinical Resource Hub (CRH) to improve eye care services for Veterans in central Alabama. One major challenge has been the question of overcoming long distances that rural Veterans have to travel to see eye specialists.

Central Alabama VA’s partnership with VISN 7 CRH—led by Dr. April Maa, director of Virtual Eye Care Services—resulted in the launch of Technology-based Eye Care Services (TECS) at Central Alabama VA in 2019. Eye Care Services uses telehealth to make routine eye care, like screenings and eyeglass prescriptions, more accessible to rural Veterans.

Mobile services bring eye care directly to Veterans

A big step forward came in November 2020 when TECS introduced mobile clinics that provide follow-up care after virtual eye exams. The mobile services at Central Alabama VA-Montgomery have brought critical eye care directly to Veterans. What started as 10 percent of clinic time has now increased to nearly 50 percent, showing how effective and in-demand these services are.

Central Alabama VA has also expanded eye care services to Columbus, where specialized clinics have been held twice a month since February 2024.

In April 2024, Central Alabama VA and VISN 7 CRH launched Synchronous Tele-Glaucoma clinics, a new service that connects Veterans with glaucoma specialists using Clinical Video Telehealth.

Dr. Annette Giangiacomo, a glaucoma specialist in Milwaukee, works with VISN 7 CRH to provide expert care without requiring Veterans to travel far.

“Synchronous Tele-Glaucoma clinics are a game changer,” said Dr. Saima Kanwal, Acute Care & Specialties at Central Alabama VA. “They ensure our Veterans receive specialized care for severe glaucoma locally, enhancing patient-provider relationships and facilitating timely treatment.”

Telehealth system allows interaction between Veterans and providers

The Clinical Video Telehealth system allows real-time interaction between Veterans and providers, improving diagnosis and education.

“This approach ensures continuity of care comparable to face-to-face visits, with specialists having access to comprehensive patient records and the ability to conduct thorough examinations remotely,” said Jacqueline Bricken, ophthalmology technician.

Central Alabama VA and VISN 7 CRH are committed to expanding telehealth services and finding new ways to deliver specialized care in the future. “Our goal is to continue breaking down geographic barriers,” said Kanwal, “ensuring all Veterans receive the highest quality eye care regardless of location.”