Abstracts: Piehlmeier

aMedis Institute, GSF National Research Centre for Environment and Health, Neuherberg, ^bRetinopathy Grading Centre, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, London, ^cDepartment of Ophthalmology, Århus University Hospital, Århus, ^dO2 Technology LTD., Dortmund, ^eDiabetes Centre Munich-Bogenhausen, Munich, ^fDivision of Medicine, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, ^gDepartment of Ophthalmology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, ^hDepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin ⁱ ifa LTD., Cologne

Problem:

65-95% of all diabetic patients ultimately develop diabetic retinopathy (DR). Although the progression to sight-threatening stages can be stopped in earlier stages by usually be stopped by effective early intervention, the frequency of DR screening is still low and deficits remain in the interdisciplinary management. Within theThe European Commission-funded project OPHTEL - Telematics in Ophthalmology funded by the European Commissionhas developed telemedical services contributing to shared care of diabetic patients and to quality assurance of DR management and thus offerwith the potential to reduce blindness due to DR.

Methods

Services for synchronous and asynchronous teleconsultation support theallow exchange of multimedia data, likeincluding the telescreening system for DR (TelScreen) to be used for remote grading of digital fundus images taken in a diabetes centrefrom diabetes centres. The ophthalmologic knowledge-based information system (OKIS) containing information and reference images for offers up-to-DR offers up-to-date patient and context related knowledge. The Diabetic RetinopathyR Monitoring System integrated into patient data management systems functions as „watchdog system" providing alarm messages in suspicious cases. Image processing tools enable thautomatic assessment of the quality of digital fundus images and offundus image quality and quantification of some pathological findings. The SEE (Save Eyes in Europe)-register aims atis collecting data on DR screening and providing online feedback mechanisms. To achieve interoperability terminologic standards were developed.