Published in:
01-10-2017 | Microvascular Complications—Retinopathy (JK Sun and PS Silva, Section Editors)
Diabetic Eye Screening: Knowledge and Perspectives from Providers and Patients
Authors:
Yao Liu, Rebecca Swearingen
Published in:
Current Diabetes Reports
|
Issue 10/2017
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of blindness among working-age US adults even though timely screening and treatment prevent 90% of blindness. We summarize current knowledge and perspectives to better understand why diabetic eye screening rates remain low and future directions towards preventing blindness from diabetes.
Recent Findings
Significant advancements in the past 10 years include primary care and patient-oriented interventions as well as the use of teleophthalmology. In England, diabetic eye disease is no longer the leading cause of certifiable blindness following the implementation of a national teleophthalmology program for diabetic retinopathy.
Summary
Multiple workflow and systems-level barriers affect providers. Patient barriers include a limited understanding of screening and lack of access to care. Interventions have been developed, but new barriers exist towards sustaining their impact. More research is needed to identify and implement the best practices to increase diabetic eye screening rates long-term.