Prevalence of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy by self- report and after examination in an urban low-income uninsured adult population

Estimating prevalence of glaucoma (glc) and diabetic retinopathy (dr) in various populations is important. However, assessing prevalence /risk for dr or glc based on self-report may not be as accurate as desired. Among urban low-income patients, self-reported history and prevalence of dr and glc (after exam) was explored. METHODS: Through the Vision of Hope Health Alliance, uninsured, low-income adults were provided eye care at no out-of-pocket cost. Retrospective record review was performed to determine patients self-report conditions as well as diagnosis of dr or glc. RESULTS Through 4 years, 4029 patients kept appointments for eye exams. 45.2% classified themselves as African American and 37.1% Hispanic. Mean age was 48.1 years (SD 12.2). The majority of patients resided in Chicago. A personal history of glc /glc suspect was reported by 140 (3.5 %). After examination, 325 (8.1%) were diagnosed as having glc / glc suspects (145(3.6%) were diagnosed with glc; 180 (4.5%) patients were diagnosed as glc suspects). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (dm2) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (dm1) were reported by 33.4% and 0.66% . 40 (3.0%) reported a history of dr. Non-proliferative dr (npdr) was diagnosed in 252 (18.7%). Proliferative dr was diagnosed in 47(3.6%). The large majority of those diagnosed with npdr (92%) and pdr (68%) reported no previous history of dr. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dr and glc underscores underserved patients' need. Self-report may not be accurate to assist in assessment among those who face similar barriers.