The use of telemedicine to support Brazilian primary care physicians in managing eye conditions: The TeleOftalmo Project.

Purpose: To determine whether teleophthalmology can help physicians in assessing and managing eye conditions and to ascertain which clinical conditions can be addressed by teleophthalmology in primary care setting.

Methods: We evaluated the resolution capacity of TeleOftalmo, strategy implemented in the public health system of southern Brazil. Resolution capacity was defined as the ability to fully address patients' eye complaints in primary care with remote assistance from ophthalmologists.

Telehealth in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Bridging the Gaps.

Introduction: In 1988, Brazil adopted a universal healthcare model in which access is mediated by the primary care level. However, difficulties have emerged in the coordination of care between the primary and specialized levels. Telehealth was thus proposed as a means to overcome this challenge.