Abstract
Purpose:
The Innovative Network for Site Research group (INSIGHT) conducted a prospective, multi-center study implementing a non-invasive, non-mydriatic fundus camera to screen for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other ocular diseases in individuals with diabetes. In this presentation patient adherence to recommended follow-up eye-care and perspectives after receiving a free eye screening in a community-based, outpatient setting was evaluated.
Methods:
This prospective study evaluated screening for ocular disease in persons with diabetes at three urban, outpatient settings. All subjects were notified of their results within 3 weeks of the screening. A follow-up questionnaire was administered to all subjects via telephone 3 months after the screening results were distributed. The questionnaire assessed patient satisfaction, willingness to pay for future screenings, recommendations for improving screenings, and eye care utilization.
Results:
Each site recruited between 500 and 600 patients. At all sites, most patients were between the ages of 45 and 65 and were female. Racial/ethnic distribution varied by site: Wills Eye Hospital (68.7% African American), University of Alabama at Birmingham (84.4% African American), University of Miami (41% Hispanic /33.8% African American). Over 97% of patients at all sites were satisfied with their screening experience and over 70% would be willing to pay for a similar service in the future. Three-months following screening approximately equal proportions of patients with abnormal and normal results reported seeing an eye care provider (35% vs. 32%, respectively). Of those who had not followed up with an eye care provider, the percentage of patients with abnormal versus normal results who planned on attending an eye appointment was also similar (71% vs. 70%, respectively). Despite low adherence to recommendations to seek eye care following screening, over 70% of patients at all sites did not report any barriers to obtaining eye care.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that non-mydriatic retinal photography in a community-based setting is a viable screening method for DR and other ocular diseases. Patients were very satisfied with their experience and would be willing to pay for this type of service in the future. However, methods to increase follow-up adherence after outpatient screenings must be explored.
Keywords: 466 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials •
499 diabetic retinopathy •
462 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications