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National diabetic retina screening programme: identifying non‐diabetic eye disease
Author(s) -
Murphy R.,
Keegan D.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.01374
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , glaucoma , diabetic retinopathy , diabetes mellitus , disease , macular degeneration , asymptomatic , ophthalmology , optometry , surgery , family medicine , endocrinology
Purpose The Irish Diabetic RetinaScreen Service offers Nationwide screening to all diabetics over the age of 12. It is internationally unique given the integrated nature of its screening and treatment arms. It is now well established, demonstrating impressive uptake with considerable clinical impact. The aim of this study is to explore the significant and increasing number of referrals from the Diabetic RetinaScreen Service with non‐diabetic eye disease. We determine the individual contributions of pathology sub‐groups and their respective outcomes. Methods We retrospectively examined a 12‐month referral assessment database from the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital treatment center from January 2016 to 2017. Non‐diabetic eye disease referrals were identified and analysed with respect to their frequency of referral and outcome. Results One thousand nine hundred and ninety‐three patients seen in the MMUH during the 12‐month period were included in the study. Diabetic eye disease referrals comprised 1250/1993 (63%) referrals, with 743/1993 (37%) referred for assessment of non‐diabetic eye disease. Substantial pathology sub‐groups included retinal artery and vein occlusions; Arterial emboli; Cataract; Glaucoma; Age Related Macular Degeneration; and Pigmented retinal lesions. We discuss the relative contribution from each pathology and the subsequent assessment outcomes. Conclusions Several non‐diabetic, sight threatening ocular pathologies, which are often asymptomatic in their early course, are being identified and referred for appropriate treatment. The referral volume is increasing. Quantifying this promotes a more informed discussion on increased service demands, helping predict its practical and financial impact, and influencing strategies on future service provisions.