DigitalOptometrics has released a new patient care-targeted translation service called DigitalOptometrics Translate (DOT) for easier patient-doctor communication.
Let’s start with this company.
Founded in 2016, DigitalOptometrics is a telehealth software company that offers scaled, optometrist (OD)- and ophthalmology (MD)-driven, patient-centric, and fully-integrated services to the vision market.
The company provides a remote eye examination system (in less than 30 minutes) designed to simulate an “on-site, in-person” exam that incorporates the internet with high-definition video conferencing, remote-operated equipment, and proprietary software for optometry practices and retail optical stores.
How does it work, exactly?
A patient first provides their demographic information and ocular/medical history on a computer tablet, then undergoes 10 health and vision analysis tests conducted by an ophthalmic technician who is on-site at the location of the eye examination.
And these tests include …
- Fundus photos
- Anterior segment videos
- Cover/uncover and alternative cover testing
- Pupillary response testing
- Assessment of extraocular motility
- Lensometry
- Autorefraction
- Keratometry (automated)
- Visual field testing
- Tonometry (non-contact)
- Visual acuity, uncorrected + with current glasses
- Full refraction (binocular balance, add, and prism, if needed)
How does telehealth come into play?
A remote-based licensed OD reviews the collected patient data via the Cloud before appearing on a monitor and providing recommendations on prescriptions, lenses, and any specific follow-up or referral needed for that patient.
The OD then finalizes the prescription for eyeglasses, which is immediately printed and available for the patient to use and purchase their choice of eyewear.
Gotcha. Now talk about this new service.
DOT is a real-time translation technology that allows eyecare professionals (ECPs) to communicate with their patients in the patient’s preferred language.
Go on …
The service is available in 16 languages and dialects, and provides voice translation capabilities for ECPs to use in real-time during eye examinations with patients, according to DigitalOptometrics.
How critical is the language barrier between doctors and patients?
Based on recent research, pretty critical.
A 2020 study published in Oman Medical Journal found that language barriers in healthcare often lead to miscommunication between a doctor and patient, “reducing both parties’ satisfaction and decreasing the quality of healthcare delivery and patient safety,” investigators wrote.
And how did translation services help?
The study authors reported that implementing online translation tools—such as Google Translate and MediBabble, a free medical interpretation app—increased both the satisfaction of medical providers and patients (up to 92%) and improved the overall quality of healthcare delivery and safety.
What about for eye care specifically?
The same still holds true. A 2023 study published in BMC Ophthalmology examined the use of interpreters among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in eye clinics.
The study authors hypothesized that LEP patients requiring interpreters would take longer in the exam room. They ultimately found that contrary to their hypothesis, there was no difference in the length of time spent with an ECP.
Conclusion: ECPs must be willing to adjust communication strategies in order to prevent negative impacts on patient care while also accounting for individual needs.
Interesting … so where can I access DOT?
The translation service is exclusively available as part of DigitalOptometrics' telehealth platform, according to Alex Louw, chief operations officer (COO).
For patients, click here to locate the nearest participating provider.
For ECPs, click here to learn more about scheduling a free system consultation.