GlobeChek is the world’s first and only comprehensive tele-eye-care solution. Patients undergo a thorough exam at a state-of-the-art mobile kiosk, which detects glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataract, as well as other ocular and systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and carotid artery disease. Testing is performed with the same sophisticated high-quality instrumentation found in an eye doctor’s office, says William J. Mallon, MD, cofounder of GlobeChek, and founding partner at Center for Advanced Eye Care.

A technician guides users through the exam process, which takes less than 10 minutes and doesn’t require dilation. Testing begins with a visual acuity check, both near and far, followed by an autorefraction. Then, eye pressure and a high-definition photo of both the external eye and the retina are taken. An OCT is performed to evaluate the optic nerve and macula for signs of glaucoma and macular degeneration. Lastly, corneal topography and anterior-segment OCT are performed.

A certified GlobeChek physician reviews each patient’s test results. Users are sent a report with diagnoses and recommendations for follow-up care, and they can schedule a telemedicine consult to review findings. If follow-up care is recommended, contact information for local physicians is provided.

“GlobeChek is an integrated instrument,” says Shalesh Kaushal, MD, PhD, physician owner at Comprehensive Retina Consultants, with locations in Gainesville, The Villages, and Inverness, Florida, who is also a physician in GlobeChek’s referral network. “It provides all of the components of an ophthalmic exam from the front to the back of the eye, including the anterior segment, lens, and retina. That is very attractive, and even more so with the COVID-19 pandemic occurring.”

FILLING AN UNMET NEED

GlobeChek was conceived out of the frustration of seeing patients with preventable vision loss coming in with late stage disease, says Adam M. Katz, MD, president, COO, and cofounder of GlobeChek, as well as partner at Center for Advanced Eye Care. “Although vision is universally considered the most important of all senses, only about 20% of the population receives regular eye exams,” he says.

“Our goal is to increase awareness of the importance of regular eye care while removing the barriers that prevent people from seeking and receiving such care,” Dr. Katz says. “We can accomplish this goal by increasing access while reducing the cost and inconvenience of a traditional eye-care encounter.”

Dr. Katz believes that the current tele-eye-care model, consisting of fundus photography alone, falls short of providing a true solution for eye care. Despite its wide availability and low cost, only a fraction of diabetics in need of exams have been screened. By focusing solely on diabetic retinopathy, other equally important eye diseases are missed.

GlobeChek can detect all of the leading causes of blindness as well as refractive errors and many eyelid and ocular surface issues. It also allows for the proper triaging of patients if eye disease is detected, Dr. Katz says.

MAKING SCREENING READILY AVAILABLE

GlobeChek can be used in the waiting room or lobby of a traditional office, as well as in a mobile office setting — bringing access to remote areas. Churches, long-term care facilities, schools, and businesses provide great opportunities for mobile tele-eye-care outreach, Dr. Mallon says.

“GlobeChek goes to where potential patients are,” says Dr. Kaushal, who focuses on retirement communities. He has also found that the kiosk reduces the need for referrals from general ophthalmologists and optometrists. Instead, subspecialists can directly connect with patients, eliminating the need for them to see multiple physicians and get referrals. “Ultimately, GlobeChek is more cost effective for the health care system.”

In addition to transportation challenges, some patients may fail to get regular eye exams due to lack of awareness or the fear of having an assessment done. “Many patients get anxious when seeing a physician,” Dr. Kaushal says. “GlobeChek isn’t as intimidating because a technician performs the exam, and patients find the kiosk’s technology interesting. There’s a wow factor.”

“GlobeChek extends me,” Dr. Kaushal continues. “While I’m in the operating room, a technician can be doing screenings.”

EASE OF USE

Patients typically stand for the exam, but they may sit if they prefer. The user interface is simple to operate, allowing for rapid training and adoption by staff, Dr. Katz says.

Referring physicians view a patient’s results in a single-page report. “I then evaluate the results and decide if I need to see the patient in the short, medium, or long term,” Dr. Kaushal says.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists can join the GlobeChek network for free. They become part of a searchable database and can be found by patients looking for eye-care providers in their area. They are also listed on patient reports.

TELEMEDICINE IS THE FUTURE

“Telemedicine is here to stay, and eye-care providers who understand the advantages and adopt it early will be set for success,” Dr. Mallon says. “The increase in access will lead to busier office practices as patients with eye diseases are identified at earlier stages and in larger numbers.”

The tests are the same ones used daily in practices, but the difference is that all tests are performed on each GlobeChek patient, providing a truly comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Mallon says. All sensitive patient information is collected, encrypted, and stored in compliance with HIPPA. With the current pandemic, GlobeChek allows patients to be seen while virtually eliminating any risk of virus transmission for patients and staff, Dr. Katz concludes. RP