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The Kettering Diabetic Monitoring Programme: twelve months experience of an optometric practice-based scheme.
J S Pointer1, P Baranyovits, B P O'Malley
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, Northants, UK.
Summary
This study evaluated a collaborative eye care program for diabetic patients in Kettering. The program successfully identified patients needing specialist review, with 10.8% referred for ophthalmological assessment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Primary Care Integration
Background:
- The British Government promotes primary and secondary healthcare integration.
- Optometric practice-based schemes are growing for diabetic eyecare monitoring.
- Collaborative care models aim for efficient local healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the first year of a collaborative eye care scheme for diabetic patients.
- To assess the effectiveness of integrating optometric services into diabetic patient monitoring.
- To evaluate the referral and management process within the scheme.
Main Methods:
- Diabetic patients received annual eye examinations at optometric practices.
- General medical practitioners (GMPs) and hospital specialists reviewed patient data.
- A 'ticked menu' report was sent to GMPs, with a copy to the hospital clinic.
Main Results:
- 92% of local optometrists participated, covering 34% of the projected diabetic population.
- 10.8% of patients required ophthalmological referral, with 0.7% needing urgent intervention.
- 80% of referrals were seen within 12 months; 50% returned to routine screening.
Conclusions:
- The collaborative care scheme effectively screened diabetic patients' eyes.
- The integration of optometry improved identification of sight-threatening conditions.
- The scheme demonstrated potential for wider implementation in diabetic eyecare.