Healthy Eyes Healthy People ® 2009 Projects Helped Diabetic Patients

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease resulting in blindness for 12,000-24000 diabetics across the United States per year. Usually there are no symptoms in the early phases of diabetic retinopathy. That is why the American Optometric Association recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. The Healthy Eyes Healthy People® (HEHP) program would like to have every person with diabetes receive a dilated eye examination at least once a year as early detection and timely treatment can significantly reduce vision loss. Through the HEHP program, optometrists serve communities throughout the nation to ensure that all people have access to eye care. In 2009, a total of 57 community projects funded through the HEHP program in the United States addressed the vision objectives of Healthy People 2010. Of those, 13 projects indicated diabetic retinopathy as their sole area of interest (AOI). Those projects that indicated diabetic retinopathy as their sole AOI addressed a two of the ten Vision Objectives cited in Healthy People 2010. The HEHP award recipients collaborate with governmental and non-governmental agencies to increase the number of patients with diabetes receiving an annual dilated eye exam by disseminating educational brochures to individuals with diabetes and to health care providers across the nation.