QI short report: Virtual clinics are a safe and efficient method of expanding the hospital diabetic retinopathy service

Abstract

Demand for hospital diabetic retinopathy (DR) appointments is increasing and exceeding capacity, leading to long waiting lists. Delays in appropriate treatment can cause irreversible yet avoidable vision loss. We assessed if capacity of the DR service could be safely expanded by utilising virtual clinics. Virtual clinics increased the service capacity by more than 100% and did not cause delays in delivering urgent treatments. The majority of patients reviewed had low-risk disease and follow-up could be maintained in the virtual clinic.