In-store eye check - TK brings preventive care to the countryside

The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company in Saxony is responding to long waiting times for an appointment with an ophthalmologist and will be offering its policyholders an eye check by trained specialists from next year. "In some regions of Saxony, there is a shortage or imminent shortage of ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologist appointments in particular are very difficult to get or are often associated with long waiting times," said TK regional head Alexander Krauß, describing the situation.

"Eye mobile" on the road in rural areas

A pilot project with the Berlin-based company Mirantus Health is now set to provide a remedy and offer eye examinations where there is a need. Techniker Krankenkasse is focusing on rural regions in particular in order to relieve the pressure on ophthalmologists' surgeries. Insured persons can take advantage of the examination in one of the participating optician's stores or in Mirantus Health's "Augenmobil". Appointments can be booked via the company's website.

"With this cooperation, we are bringing care to the people. We are particularly committed to expanding telemedicine services and improving healthcare in rural areas," emphasized Krauß. This will help to close gaps in care.

Hybrid model for faster care

According to TK, specially trained specialists carry out the measurements using state-of-the-art equipment. A network of ophthalmologists then evaluates the data digitally. Their report shows whether there are any abnormalities. Users receive the assessment by email within 24 to 72 hours. If the results are abnormal, Mirantus Health helps users to get an appointment with an ophthalmologist or treatment via telemedicine as soon as possible.

Examinations before progressive diseases progress

"Our aim is to make low-threshold eye examinations available before diseases progress. This allows those affected to act early and relieves the burden on care systems," said Claus Gruber, founder of Mirantus Health.

The free examination includes determining visual acuity, checking spectacle prescription, retinal images including the optic nerve head and macula, anterior segment photography using a slit lamp and evaluation by ophthalmologists. The offer is aimed at people aged 18 and over without acute symptoms and does not replace a medical diagnosis and treatment, it said.