Premium
A Report on the Use of Technician Ophthalmoscopy Combined with the Use of the Canon Non‐mydriatic Camera in Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy in the Community
Author(s) -
Jacob J.,
Stead J.,
Sykes J.,
Taylor D.,
Tooke J. E.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.1995.tb00506.x
Subject(s) - medicine , technician , ophthalmoscopy , diabetic retinopathy , optometry , retinopathy , ophthalmology , eye examination , population , diabetes mellitus , visual acuity , retinal , environmental health , endocrinology , electrical engineering , engineering
This paper describes a general practice based diabetic retinopathy screening service employing a technician trained in direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and taking photographs with a Canon CR3 45 NM non‐mydriatic polaroid camera analysed by a consultant ophthalmologist to provide a comparison with the screener's opinion. Prospective data is presented from the first 1050 patients screened for diabetic retinopathy in the Exeter Health Authority area. Analysis of data collected showed a prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the screened population of 27 %, 14 % previously undetected with a 0.5 % prevalence of sight‐threatening retinopathy. There was almost complete agreement between ophthalmoscopy findings and the consultant analysis of photographs. Screening costs were calculated at £10.38 per patient screened. A specially trained non‐medically qualified technician can provide a good quality cost‐effective screening service for diabetic retinopathy within a primary care setting.