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Image management standards in place for ophthalmologists
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 Michael V. Boland |
NEW YORK — Image management is a primary component of the ophthalmologist's electronic office, and standards are now in place to make image collection, storage and review compatible across facilities, according to a speaker here.
The advantages of image management are that images are directly linked to real patient records and all data are electronic, integrated across systems and portable, Michael V. Boland, MD, PhD, said at the American Glaucoma Society annual meeting.
"Where we want to go is where radiology has been for 20 years," Dr. Boland said.
Integrating digital images increases the ability to look at images effectively, he said, such as viewing multiple visual fields at the same time. Vendors are also adding value by supporting various devices.
"The American Academy of Ophthalmology has spent considerable effort over the past decade developing standards that are relevant for ophthalmology," Dr. Boland said.
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards exist in ophthalmology for ophthalmic photography, tomography, refractive measurements such as IOL calculations, ophthalmic visual fields such as static perimetry, and ophthalmic thickness mapping.
"These standards cover most of what you do in ophthalmic practice," Dr. Boland said.
"This is a case where the [Department of Veterans Affairs] and Department of Defense have gotten in front of us. Since 2005, every device that comes into their facility has to be DICOM-compatible. This is not an unreasonable request," he said.
Ophthalmic vendors are progressively adhering to the DICOM standards and should have compliance information readily available, Dr. Boland said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Boland is a consultant for Carl Zeiss Meditec.