Abstract

Purpose
Estimate the transport-related carbon emissions saved by our Outreach and Telemedicine programs.

Methods
Data collected retrospectively on CY2022 Outreach (patients are screened at camps set up locally, necessary systems travelling to them) and Telemedicine (run by trained Mid-Level-Ophthalmic-Personnel/MLOP) programs. Assumptions were made on transport. India-specific carbon emission factors were employed.

Results

CY2022 saw 1,72,192 patients attending the telemedicine program, and only 15,584 needed referral to a tertiary-care-centre. Over 91% had their concerns addressed locally, eliminating the need for travel. Cumulative carbon emission reduction from Telemedicine totaled nearly 3000 tons of CO2 – equaling nearly 1,50,000 fully grow trees. The outreach program alone contributed to a reduction of around 200 tons CO2

Conclusions
The study proves, beyond doubt, outreach & telemedicine’s role in enhancing the patient experience while being planet-friendly .