The American Optometric Association (AOA) has released a revised Policy Statement on Telemedicine in Optometry following a public input process and review by the AOA Telehealth Council, according to a press release. The updated document reflects changes in technology, stakeholder feedback, and emerging issues in virtual care delivery.

As examples, the terms standard of care and direct-to-patient eye- and vision-related applications have been refined.

Specifically, standard of care is now defined as a legal rather than medical term, determined by state legislatures, agencies, and courts. “Essentially, it refers to the degree of care a prudent and reasonable person would exercise under the circumstances,” the press release noted.

Direct-to-patient eye- and vision-related applications are described as mobile tools that typically measure only visual acuity, with evolving Food and Drug Administration regulation. The press release says, “Information gathered through this online testing may be shared with a physician who develops a contact lens or glasses prescription based on the limited data acquired.”

Another example: The section on artificial intelligence (AI) has been removed from the telemedicine policy. AI is recognized as a broader issue that affects multiple areas of optometry and is under separate review by the AOA, according to the press release.

AOA Trustee Marrie S. Read, OD, MBA, noted in the press release that rapid advances in real-time patient connections, remote monitoring of chronic eye conditions, and emerging care platforms that support optometric services prompted revisions to ensure the policy keeps pace with technological change.

The policy revision was also shaped by comments from optometrists, students, and paraoptometric staff who requested expanded education on telemedicine. In response, the AOA will continue to provide resources, guidance, and courses to support practitioners in adopting telehealth practices, according to the press release.OM