LONG BEACH, California – A prospective study presented at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 2025 annual meeting suggests that a remote postoperative day 1 examination can serve as a viable substitute for traditional in-person follow-up after vitreoretinal surgery. The research,led by Dr. jennifer Weng, indicates potential benefits in patient convenience and resource allocation.

The study, conducted at the Wilmer eye Institute at johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, evaluated the feasibility and safety of utilizing remote examination techniques – specifically, high-resolution fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) – to assess patients following procedures such as epiretinal membrane peeling, macular hole repair, and diabetic vitrectomy. Researchers compared outcomes between patients undergoing remote examination and a control group receiving standard in-person postoperative day 1 evaluations.

Key findings demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications, such as retinal detachment or endophthalmitis, between the two groups. Patient satisfaction scores were notably higher in the remote examination cohort, with participants citing reduced travel time and increased comfort as primary advantages. The average travel time saved for patients in the remote group was 45 minutes each way, according to the study data.

“The traditional postoperative day 1 examination is crucial for identifying early signs of complications,” Dr. Weng explained during her presentation. “However, it places a significant burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Our study demonstrates that remote examination can provide a safe and effective alternative, perhaps freeing up valuable clinic space and reducing patient inconvenience.”

The study involved 120 patients (60 in each group) who underwent vitreoretinal surgery between January 2024 and june 2025.All patients received detailed instructions on performing self-imaging using a portable fundus camera and OCT device provided by the Wilmer Eye Institute. Images were reviewed remotely by a team of experienced retina specialists within 24 hours of surgery.

Implications for the Future of Retinal Care

The increasing adoption of telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies is transforming the landscape of ophthalmic care. this study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of remote examination in the postoperative management of vitreoretinal surgery. Further research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this approach, as well as to identify patients who may not be suitable candidates for remote monitoring (e.g., those with complex medical histories or limited technical skills).

The ASRS annual meeting, held at the Long beach convention & Entertainment Center, attracted over 3,000 retina specialists from around the globe. The meeting featured presentations on the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.

Disclosures:

Weng reports no relevant financial disclosures.