[Coverage rates of eye fundus examinations among Chilean patients with diabetes mellitus]

Timely eye fundus examinations are essential to prevent the consequences of retinopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To assess the coverage rate (CR) of eye fundus examination in the Chilean diabetic population, between 2011 and 2019.

Analysis of monthly statistical summaries of the Cardiovascular Health Program published online by the Chilean Ministry of Health. The number of patients aged 15 years or more with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the number of those who had an eye fundus examination within the same year, were obtained. Data was analyzed at a national and regional level.

The national eye fundus examination CR was 19.1% in 2011. In 2016, the figures became significantly higher, reaching 32.5%. In 2019, the highest value of 36.5% was recoded although not significantly different from 2016. The highest average annual CR was observed in Ñuble Health Service (49.5%), and the lowest in Central Metropolitan Service (15%). The highest CR positive absolute and relative variation between 2011 and 2019 was observed in Viña del Mar Quillota Health Service (38.9 and 489% respectively), and the lowest negative variation was observed in Araucania Norte Health Service (-8.42 and -24.21% respectively).

There is a low eye fundus examination CR in Chile, with important differences between regional health services.