The Practice Without a Doctor - Telemedicine Project TEAS Brings Eye Care to Rural Patients Without Travel

A new telemedicine project in Salzwedel is changing how rural patients receive eye care. Instead of travelling long distances, locals now undergo exams at a practice where no ophthalmologist is physically present. The initiative, called TEAS, relies on a team of healthcare workers collecting data, which is then reviewed remotely by specialists.

The TEAS project addresses a critical shortage of eye specialists in rural Saxony-Anhalt. At the Salzwedel practice, a trained team measures visual acuity, checks intraocular pressure, and examines the cornea and conjunctiva. These findings are sent digitally to four ophthalmologists based elsewhere, who assess the results and provide diagnoses.

The state has committed around two million euros to fund the pilot until the end of 2026. Meanwhile, university hospitals in Halle and Magdeburg are building a broader telemedicine platform. This system will connect specialists to patients across the region, cutting down on unnecessary travel and making expert advice more accessible.

Health Minister Petra Grimm-Benne has highlighted the project's potential to improve care while saving time. She stressed that digital solutions are essential as the population ages and the shortage of medical professionals grows. Patients involved so far have responded positively to the new approach.

Beyond 2027, the future of TEAS remains unclear. However, the aim is to eventually make this model a standard part of healthcare delivery.

The TEAS project offers a practical solution for rural areas facing specialist shortages. By using digital tools, it reduces patient travel and speeds up access to expert care. The state's funding and ongoing development of telemedicine platforms suggest this approach could expand further in the coming years.