Application of Mobile Phones in Ophthalmology

© 2015 Journal of ophthalmic and Vision research | published by Wolters KluWer medKnoW There have been significant advances in the field of mobile phone technology in the last decade. Smartphones are increasingly considered as handheld computers instead of simple phones because they have powerful computing capabilities, remarkable onboard memories, high resolution screens and, more importantly, open operating systems that permit development of applications. Operating system platforms that are now available on mobile phones include the Android operating system by Google, iOS by Apple, BlackBerry by RIM, Symbian, and Windows Mobile and Windows Phone.[1] Mobile phones with advanced computing abilities are able to run multiple advanced applications and have tremendous applications in medical specialties. This causes a major attraction by mobile phones for physicians and medical personnel. Mobile phones can combine tools that are commonly used for clinical examination and education into a portable, simple to use application. These medical apps have converted mobile phones into useful tools for implementing evidence‐based medicine, clinical communication, patient education and patient monitoring.[2] Mobile phones have increasing utility in the field of ophthalmology. An American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) survey in 2010 showed that approximately 83% of members used their mobile phones to accomplish some of their professional tasks. Keeping up with the latest information available in the field of medicine is impossible; if a medical application can gather and prepare data and then present it in a simple way, it is undoubtedly valuable and efficient use of a physician’s time.[3] Application of Mobile Phones in Ophthalmology