Specifications

10 I About the Program
The EyePACS Handbook: Tools for Program Success
Selecting Optimal Camera Operators
Most clinics draw on their existing staff – including medical assistants, X-ray techs,
diabetic care coordinators, and telemedicine coordinators – to identify and train
camera operators. When looking for an ideal candidate to perform retinopathy
screenings, here are some of the traits we have found helpful:
Strong hand‐eye coordination and fine motor skills. Video gamers often make great
camera operators – they are skilled with the joystick and multiple buttons, and they
follow on-screen images very well.
Comfortable with new technology and computers. Although the system uses a
standard camera, it requires a certain level of comfort with new devices, as well as a
basic understanding of how to manipulate and upload images to the Web.
Patient, detail‐oriented and thorough. Proper screening requires that all eight
pictures are taken correctly, and each one requires a series of small steps, so the
photographer needs to be patient. He or she must position the patient’s eye correctly,
allow the pupil to fully dilate before and during the screening, ensure that each picture
is of high enough quality, and complete the upload and referral tracking.
Good interpersonal and communication skills. Patients are often anxious about eye
exams, and may be afraid that there is something wrong with them that will lead to
blindness. It’s great if the photographer can talk to the patient during the screening and
explain what is going on. Talking patients through the process makes them more
comfortable, which has the added benefit of calming them down from nervous
movement that might ruin the images.
Self‐motivated, outgoing and involved in other diabetes programs within the clinic
(when possible). Many of the most successful programs are run by a dedicated staff
member who takes an extremely active role in identifying diabetic clinic patients who
have not had a yearly eye exam and making sure that they are screened. They also take
on the responsibility of keeping DRS in the minds of clinic providers and other staff
members to encourage that they recommend screenings. Staff that already have a role
in diabetes work within the clinic are also effective because they have existing
relationships with diabetes-related organizations and diabetic patients.
Optimal Photographer Skills Checklist:
 Precise
 Able to upload images to the
Web
 Willing to learn new
equipment and skills
 Good communication skills
 Calm, patient personality
 Self-motivated and outgoing
 Interested in new technology
 Comfortable manipulating
joystick and buttons
 Visual person, comfortable
with small screen
 Thorough
 Patient
 Attentive to detail