Clalit Launches Israel’s First Online Ophthalmology Service with Two-Hour Response

Clalit Health Services has introduced Israel’s first online ophthalmology service, enabling patients to consult with eye specialists via video call. The service offers diagnosis, prescriptions, and referrals within two hours of request, eliminating the need for in-person clinic visits in suitable cases. This initiative expands Clalit’s virtual care platform, Clalit NEXT, improving access to one of the most sought-after medical fields.

The service follows a year-long pilot in Clalit’s Southern District, where approximately 12,000 remote eye consultations were conducted. Due to the pilot’s success, Clalit plans to double the service’s capacity. Common conditions addressed include eye infections, styes, allergies, dryness, and subconjunctival hemorrhages. About 65% of users were working-age adults (19-55), highlighting demand for fast, accessible care without clinic visits.

Dr. Eyal Walter, medical director of the online ophthalmology service, emphasized the importance of rapid treatment in eye care, stating the service provides quick responses for common eye issues and can reduce unnecessary clinic visits while maintaining professional quality. Ronen Nudelman, Clalit’s community division head, noted the service significantly increases availability of eye specialists and combines medical innovation with convenience.

The online ophthalmology service operates Sunday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., targeting non-emergency conditions. It is not intended for urgent cases such as eye trauma, foreign body penetration, chemical exposure, or sudden vision loss, which require immediate emergency care. The service is available for all ages from newborns to 120 years old, with a quarterly fee of 31 shekels.

Rabbi Avraham Konski, head of Clalit’s Haredi department, called the launch a significant milestone for millions of Clalit patients, reflecting the organization’s commitment to medical innovation and accessible, high-quality care through digital solutions.