Technology for access

This issue of the Community Eye Health Journal provides guidelines for developing inclusive and accessible mobile health (mHealth), teleophthalmology, and artificial intelligence (AI) services for everyone.

Innovative approaches and technology-based solutions have a significant role to play to ensure that equitable and accessible eye health services are available to all.

If we are truly to realise the potential of AI in health care and eye care, a more equitable and purposeful design of technologies and incentive systems is required.

Teleoptometry can reduce barriers and improve access to primary eye care services delivered by optometrists, providing a valuable companion to in-person services.

Many mHealth interventions have been implemented in eye care, with the aim to promote attendance at appointments or adherence to medication, provide eye health education and increase access to eye care.

Online learning can improve access to education and flexibility for people who would otherwise have to travel long distances or struggle to balance studying with their work commitments.

Be He@lthy, Be Mobile (BHBM) is a global initiative led by the WHO and the ITU to encourage the use of mobile technology for health (mHealth) to positively impact health and well-being.

This toolkit, as part of Be He@lthy Be Mobile, includes evidence-based smartphone message libraries for key groups, such as those as risk of or who have myopia, along with operational guidance.

This global strategy aims to strengthen health systems through the application of digital health technologies for consumers, health professionals, health care providers and industry.

WHO SMART guidelines comprise documentation, procedures, and digital health components to steer guideline localisation and implementation through digital systems.