Page 140 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition March-April 2024

investments. Moreover, cloud-based EMRs WHY-DISCOUNT
facilitate access to patient records from
anywhere, allowing effortless collaboration,
regardless of geographical location, which also
proves to be an excellent management tool if
you are the owner of multiple practices.
While there are many misconceptions
regarding the security of cloud-based
systems, and while many believe that desktop
software is ‘safer’, the contrary is true. Desktop
applications are more vulnerable to viruses
and corruption as well as physical break-ins.
Cloud-based EMRs contain robust encryption
protocols, regular backups and strict access
controls to fortify data security, mitigating
the risks of data breaches and ensuring
compliance with stringent privacy regulations.

IMPORTANCE OF PRIVACY AND optometric practice and preparing for our
DATA PROTECTION: digital future. By embracing technology-driven
solutions, optometrists can optimise clinical
Optometrists will be entrusted with sensitive
personal health information, mandating strict workflows, enhance patient care, and ensure
adherence to data protection regulations. compliance with regulatory mandates, thereby
Cloud-based EMR softwares contain encryption reaffirming their commitment to professional
algorithms, multi-factor authentication, and excellence and patient welfare. However, amidst
regular security audits, which are indispensable the relentless pursuit of efficiency, it is important
measures to strengthen the security of EMR for practitioners to prioritise data privacy and
systems and thwart potential breaches. protection, safeguarding the sanctity of patient
Moreover, fostering a culture of privacy information and upholding the trust bestowed
awareness, staff training, and implementing upon the healthcare profession.
robust access controls, even within the
practice, will mitigate internal vulnerabilities
and improve patient trust.

Modern cloud-based EMR systems in India
are bound by law to adhere to the IT Act and
the recently passed Digital Personal Data AUTHOR:
Protection Act. Furthermore, the Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare has proposed ISHA DAVE
the National Digital Health Mission, which BSc (Hons) MSc
is a blueprint for creating Electronic Health MCOptom (UK)
FIACLE FBCLA
Records (EHRs) to improve the communication
between patients and health care providers, all
pointing to a digital future in health care, much
like many other parts of the world.

CONCLUSION Isha Dave has an independent clinical
optometry practice in Mumbai and is also an
In conclusion, the meticulous maintenance adjunct faculty at Lotus College of Optometry,
Mumbai. Her most recent project is the
of clinical records and the adoption of development of ASIRA, India’s first cloud-based
electronic medical records represent pivotal Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software
pillars in the modernisation of Indian tailored specifically for optometrists.

136 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | MAR-APR 2024 OPTOMETRY