Telemedicine fills gaps for eye doctors in the Altmark - Telemedicine Pilot in Salzwedel Eases Eye Doctor Shortage Crisis

A new telemedicine pilot project has launched in Salzwedel to tackle the growing shortage of eye doctors in Saxony-Anhalt. The scheme, funded by the state with nearly €2 million, aims to improve access to specialist care without an on-site physician. Early feedback from patients has been strongly positive, raising hopes for its future expansion.

The project began in 2024 in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel district, where 3.5 ophthalmologist positions sit vacant—the highest number in the region. With one in three local eye doctors over 60, the shortage is expected to deepen in coming years. Currently, Saxony-Anhalt has 7 unfilled roles out of 159.5, leaving many patients struggling to get appointments.

Instead of relying on in-person doctors, the pilot uses medical assistants, master opticians, and opticians to conduct initial examinations. Patient data is then sent digitally to remote ophthalmologists for assessment. Results, follow-up plans, and referrals are shared with patients shortly after, speeding up diagnoses and treatment.

Jörg Böhme, head of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Sachsen-Anhalt (KVSA), has backed the initiative. The state funding will support the project until late 2026, with the aim of integrating telemedicine into routine care by 2027. Officials highlight its potential to bring specialist expertise to underserved areas, reducing delays in care.

Patients have responded well to the model, praising its convenience and efficiency. The approach not only fills gaps in staffing but also ensures faster access to expert opinions, which can lead to earlier interventions.

The telemedicine pilot in Salzwedel runs until 2026, with €2 million in state funding securing its operations. If successful, the model could become a permanent part of Saxony-Anhalt's healthcare system by 2027. For now, it offers a practical solution to the region's ophthalmologist shortage while improving patient outcomes through quicker, location-independent care.