Disparities Between Teleretinal Imaging Findings and Patient-Reported Diabetic Retinopathy Status and Follow-up Eye...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
• Patient awareness of DR and the concordance of eye examination follow-up with DR severity are critical for effective management.
• Current methods for assessing awareness and concordance may be insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient self-reported awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
• To assess the concordance between eye examination follow-up and actual DR findings from retinal images.
• To identify factors influencing awareness and concordance, including the type of eye care provider.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 26,876 patients with diabetes over 10 years.
• Retinal imaging was performed during endocrinology visits.
• Patient awareness and follow-up concordance were assessed via questionnaires and comparison with imaging results.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of patients with vision-threatening DR (vtDR) were unaware of their condition.
• Concordance between follow-up and DR severity varied significantly by provider type, being lowest with optometrists.
• Discrepancies in awareness and follow-up were common across all DR severity levels.

Conclusions:

• Patient self-reported awareness of DR is often inaccurate and should not be solely relied upon.
• Significant gaps exist in the concordance of eye care follow-up with DR status.
• Healthcare and educational models need modification to improve patient understanding and provider communication regarding DR.