Screening for diabetic retinopathy: the first telemedicine approach in a primary care setting in Bahrain

To develop an integrated diabetic retinopathy screening program that uses telemedicine.

In this evaluation of diagnostic technology, six telemedical screening units were established to cover all regions of Bahrain. The units were equipped with a digital fundus camera at the primary health care clinic. Fundus photographs were transmitted via the Internet to a centralized reading center. A retinal specialist at the reading center assessed the images.

From 2003 to 2009, 17,490 diabetic patients were screened. Of the screened patients, 20% were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Of these cases, 31% required treatment.

Telemedicine-based screening program is a feasible and efficient means of detecting diabetic retinopathy and providing treatment.