Screening for diabetic retinopathy in France

Ocular complications of diabetes, particularly retinopathy, are the major cause of blindness in the working age population in industrialised nations. Laser photocoagulation has shown definite results in reducing visual morbidity with many more likely to benefit if diagnosed early enough. Institution of an efficient screening programme aimed at detecting patients at risk when they can still be effectively treated has been recognised as an urgent priority worldwide. In France, a signatory to the Saint Vincent's Declaration, an analysis of the national healthcare database reveals a gross inadequacy in the current extent of screening for diabetic retinopathy. The possible causative factors have been analysed and the necessary corrective measures, some of which are already under way, have been discussed. Ideally, screening by ophthalmologists at recommended intervals have been advised by national and professional health care associations. This has not been feasible owing to the lack of organised planning and serious manpower deficit caused by a progressive decline in the number of ophthalmologists. Recently, the need for an efficient, widely-available and user-friendly screening tool has led to the evaluation of multifield fundus photography in real time using digital nonmydriatic camera in comparison with more established methods of detecting diabetic retinopathy. Lastly, the future possibility of involving in France non-ophthalmologists like endocrinologists or general practitioner or non medical profession like orthoptists after proper training to meet the necessary manpower shortage has been addressed. Optimal use of telemedicine along with establishment of preferential reference channels for newly discovered cases of sight-threatening cases of retinopathy are public health priority necessary to give to the screening of diabetic retinopathy its full efficiency.