The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy as identified by teleophthalmology in rural Alberta

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) as identified by teleophthalmology in a sample population of people with diabetes living in rural Alberta and to identify the risks and benefits of a teleophthalmology program for these patients.

Design: Retrospective consecutive case series.

Participants: Three hundred ninety-four diabetic patients (788 eyes).

Methods: Medical histories were obtained, following which patients underwent visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements and stereoscopic, 7-field, digital retinal photography. Images were graded by ophthalmologists in Edmonton, Alta., according to a modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scoring template. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up recommendations were communicated to local health care providers and data were collected for review.

Results: Three hundred ninety-four patients (788 eyes) were assessed via 593 teleophthalmology visits over the 3-year period. DR was identified in 27.2% of patients (2.3% with proliferative DR and 24.9% with nonproliferative DR). A variety of other diagnoses, independent of DR, were also made. Recommendations for follow-up teleophthalmology and in-person referral were completed in 76.8% and 87.3% of patients, respectively, although many were completed later than was recommended. Teleophthalmology saved approximately 450 round trips from Edson to the nearest urban centre (Edmonton) over the 2-year period, equating to approximately 1900 hours and 180 000 km of driving.

Conclusions: Teleophthalmology can effectively identify DR while reducing travel time and distance for patients with diabetes living in a rural community. However, many patients did not follow up or attend referral appointments in a timely fashion, underscoring the need for ongoing quality assessment.