270540 A novel, multicenter community eye screening program for individuals with diabetes

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

David J. Lee, PhD , Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
David Friedman, MD, MPh, PhD , The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
Julia A. Haller, MD , Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cynthia Owsley, PhD, MSPH , Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Xinzhi Zhang , National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Jinan B. Saaddine, MD, MPH , National Vision Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Background: This CDC-led (INSIGHT) collaboration of vision researchers assesses the feasibility of a digital ophthalmic photo screening in public, community-based clinics and pharmacies for individuals with diabetes. Screening sites are based in Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Miami, FL; and Philadelphia, PA. The collaborative study aims to provide an empirical basis for cost-effective screening and identify barriers inciting health disparities between socioeconomic classes. The target completion date for 2000 subjects among all four sites is June 2012.

Methods: A non-invasive, non-mydriatic fundus NIDEK camera captures three images per eye and a Titmus V2 vision screener evaluates visual acuity. All images are sent to Wills Eye Telemedicine and read by ophthalmologists. These results are forwarded to participants and their primary care physicians. Pre- and post-screening questionnaires relating to eye care adherence and patient satisfaction are distributed by trained staff to determine the effect of the community health screenings on promoting eye health.

Results: As of February 2012, 70 subjects have been screened with an average age of 53 years. The average self-reported A1C level is 8.8% and 54 subjects self-identify as having medical insurance. To date, 16% of participants have screened positive for retinal abnormalities, including diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, and have been advised to receive follow-up care by an ophthalmologist. Screening results obtained will be correlated with follow-up dilated fundus exams to determine the level of significant disease.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the retinal imaging and eye screening process. Understand the public health burden being alleviated by eye health education and cost-effective screenings. Explain the follow-up protocol after the screenings used to evaluate their effectiveness.

Keywords: Vision Care, Access to Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal investigator of multiple federally funded grants that focus on eye care utilization and the epidemiology of sensory-related diseases and impairments. My scientific interests have included health disparities in disease prevalence, eye care utiliazation, and health insurance status.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3382.0: Translating Ocular Research into Community Health