Eye mobile starts in Görlitz: Provision for rural regions!

Eye mobile starts in Görlitz: Provision for rural regions!

A small trend that could have a big impact: On July 7th and 8th, the eye mobile from the Berlin health company Mirantus will stop in Upper Lusatia, more precisely in Bernstadt a. d. Eigen and Göda. This is a great way for people here who often suffer from long waits in crowded doctor's offices to get hassle-free eye checks. Again and again you see answering machines in practices that can no longer accept new patients, and this is exactly where the innovative concept of mobile eye care comes in.

As the Saxon reports, the eye mobile carries out extensive optometric eye examinations in which trained optometrists take retinal images, measure intraocular pressure or test visual acuity. The data is then forwarded to specialists in Germany in encrypted form. Patients will then receive a written report either by post or email. If you notice any abnormalities, you can arrange a video consultation or make an appointment at a doctor's office.

Eye care for everyone

Mirantus' mission is clear: eye care should be made accessible to everyone, especially in rural areas where there is often a shortage of specialists. In the Bautzen district, for example, the Saxony Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) shows that ophthalmological care is mathematically above target, but in reality there is a real supply shortage. There are currently 22.5 full-time ophthalmological positions in the district, but this could soon change due to the threat of retirements in the next few years.

The mobile solution is well received by people. Over 10,000 people in Saxony, Brandenburg and Thuringia have already benefited from this offer. However, Mirantus makes it clear that they are not competition to practicing doctors, but rather form a useful addition to the system of ophthalmological care, as well as a model that already exists in other regions of Germany, such as Saarland or Schleswig-Holstein.

MUBE and eye health

Another exciting project is the “Mobile Examination and Treatment Unit” (MUBE), which was launched by the Saxony Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. The aim of this initiative is to offer ophthalmological examinations and reports directly on site. Telemedicine is also used to avoid long journeys and waiting times for patients who need regular routine examinations. Patients with diseases such as macular degeneration or glaucoma particularly benefit from this flexible offer. The vdek reports that the costs of the examinations and treatments are covered by the statutory health insurance companies.

This combination of mobility and telemedicine not only improves ophthalmological care, but also relieves the burden on existing practices. These new approaches, supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs with 1.2 million euros, demonstrate the desire to strengthen the medical infrastructure in rural areas.

The eye mobile will continue to be on the road in the summer, with further stops in Upper Lusatia: including Mittelherwigsdorf (July 22nd), Seifhennersdorf (August 6th) and Großschönau (August 22nd). If you would like to book an appointment, you can do so quickly online on the Mirantus website at mirantus.com complete. There really is something to be said for eye health in the region!