Integrating Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, and Digital Health: A Bibliometric Analysis of Telemedicine for Diabetic Retinopathy

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Telemedicine has emerged as a pivotal approach to improving access to diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening, diagnosis, management, and monitoring. Over the past two decades, rapid advancements in digital imaging, mobile health technologies, and artificial intelligence have substantially expanded the role of teleophthalmology in DR, resulting in a large volume of pertinent publications. This study aimed to provide a scientific overview of telemedicine applied to DR through bibliometric analysis. <b>Methods:</b> A search of the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted on 15 November 2025 to identify English-language original research and review articles regarding telemedicine for DR. Bibliographic data from relevant publications were extracted and underwent quantitative analysis and visualization using the tools Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. <b>Results:</b> A total of 515 articles published between 1998 and 2025 were included in our analysis. During this period, the research field of telemedicine for DR exhibited an annual growth rate of 13.14%, with publication activity markedly increasing after 2010 and peaking in 2020-2021. Based on the number of publications, United States, China, and Australia were the most productive countries, while <i>Telemedicine and e-Health</i>, <i>Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare</i>, and <i>British Journal of Ophthalmology</i> were the most relevant journals in the field. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed three major thematic clusters within the broader topic of telemedicine and DR, namely, public health-oriented work, telehealth service models, and applications of artificial intelligence technologies. <b>Conclusions:</b> The role of telemedicine in DR detection and care represents an expanding multidisciplinary field of research supported by contributions from multiple authors and institutions worldwide. As technological capabilities continue to evolve, ongoing innovation and cross-domain collaboration could further advance the applications of teleophthalmology for DR, promoting more accessible, efficient, and equitable identification and management of this condition.

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Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-01-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020183
Primary Topic
Retinal Diseases and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Integrating Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, and Digital Health: A Bibliometric Analysis of Telemedicine for Diabetic Retinopathy

Theofilos Kanavos, Effrosyni Birbas
Healthcare
Retinal Diseases and Treatments
article

Integrating Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, and Digital Health: A Bibliometric Analysis of Telemedicine for Diabetic Retinopathy

Theofilos Kanavos, Effrosyni Birbas
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Telemedicine has emerged as a pivotal approach to improving access to diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening, diagnosis, management, and monitoring. Over the past two decades, rapid advancements in digital imaging, mobile health technologies, and artificial intelligence have substantially expanded the role of teleophthalmology in DR, resulting in a large volume of pertinent publications. This study aimed to provide a scientific overview of telemedicine applied to DR through bibliometric analysis. <b>Methods:</b> A search of the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted on 15 November 2025 to identify English-language original research and review articles regarding telemedicine for DR. Bibliographic data from relevant publications were extracted and underwent quantitative analysis and visualization using the tools Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. <b>Results:</b> A total of 515 articles published between 1998 and 2025 were included in our analysis. During this period, the research field of telemedicine for DR exhibited an annual growth rate of 13.14%, with publication activity markedly increasing after 2010 and peaking in 2020-2021. Based on the number of publications, United States, China, and Australia were the most productive countries, while <i>Telemedicine and e-Health</i>, <i>Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare</i>, and <i>British Journal of Ophthalmology</i> were the most relevant journals in the field. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed three major thematic clusters within the broader topic of telemedicine and DR, namely, public health-oriented work, telehealth service models, and applications of artificial intelligence technologies. <b>Conclusions:</b> The role of telemedicine in DR detection and care represents an expanding multidisciplinary field of research supported by contributions from multiple authors and institutions worldwide. As technological capabilities continue to evolve, ongoing innovation and cross-domain collaboration could further advance the applications of teleophthalmology for DR, promoting more accessible, efficient, and equitable identification and management of this condition.

HealthcareVol. 14(2)
Northwell Health (US), Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (US)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 90%
Retinal Diseases and Treatments
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