Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Journal of Futures Research, cilt.13, sa.1, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
As Europe faces unprecedented demographic shifts and technological advancement, the future of eye care delivery stands at a critical juncture. This paper develops a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding how teleophthalmology will transform European healthcare delivery through 2040. Drawing on futures studies methodology and healthcare innovation theory, we propose a multi-level framework that captures the dynamic interplay between technological innovation, social systems, and healthcare delivery models. The framework examines transformation across macro (landscape), meso (regime), and micro (niche) levels while incorporating temporal dimensions that reflect the evolutionary nature of healthcare innovation. Through analysis of current trends and emerging developments, we present three detailed scenarios for the future of European teleophthalmology: fully integrated digital eye care, hybrid model with regional variations, and technology-enabled traditional care. These scenarios explore how different combinations of technological capability, social acceptance, and institutional readiness might shape the evolution of eye care delivery. Our analysis reveals critical challenges and opportunities in implementing teleophthalmology across diverse European healthcare systems, including issues of healthcare equity, data governance, professional adaptation, and cross-border care delivery. The paper contributes to both theoretical understanding of healthcare futures and practical implementation of digital health solutions while considering the unique characteristics of European healthcare systems. The framework and scenarios presented provide valuable guidance for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers in shaping the future of eye care delivery across Europe.