Media statement

MRC Telemedicine team reaches out to Grabouw Community

The MRC’s Telemedicine & mHealth team demonstrated the potential of tele-ophthalmology in the eye care of diabetic patients at the Diabetic Eye Care Clinic in Grabouw last month. The initiative was a collaboration between non profit organisation – HANANI, the MRC as well as the Grabouw Community Health Centre in the Western Cape.

Four hundred diabetic patients were invited to the clinic for free testing in honour of Diabetes Day which takes place on the 14th of this month. “It is important to encourage all diabetic patients to have regular eye checkups at least once a year,” says MRC Telemedicine Unit Director Jill Fortuin. The screening involved blood glucose and blood pressure measurement as well as the use of an autorefractor and visual acuity. Patients suspected of having problems with the eye were referred to the tele-ophthalmology service. “This initiative has highlighted not only the importance of eye screening but also the value of having a tele-ophthalmology service available at health facilities not only as a diagnostic tool but also as an educational tool,” says Fortuin.
The Primary Health Care nurses indicated that this was a tremendous learning experience which has enhanced their skills and knowledge in screening for diabetic retinopathy. As a result of this successful initiative Grabouw CHC is hoping to purchase their own fundus camera and the Telemedicine & mHealth team will be repeating this initiative in the Eastern Cape with some improvements.

The following organizations and persons need to be thanked for their contribution in making the day a success:

• Prof Surka
• Genop Holdings
• Grabouw CHC
• Hanani
• MRC Conference Centre
• Prof Ziskind
• Dr Van Wyk