[Teleophthalmology as an auxiliary approach for the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases: evaluation of an asynchronous method of consultation].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of teleophthalmology as an auxiliary approach for diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases and to study the main problems associated with the conclusion reached by consultation.

Methods: Two hundred and thirty three 35 mm slides (retinography or biomicroscopy photos) were digitalized and stored in a Compact Disc to be later analyzed in a computer monitor by two consultants, specialists in uveitis. The consultants filled out a form and a questionnaire, indicating the diagnosis and probable treatment for the analyzed cases also the main difficulties found to reach a conclusion of the consultation.