[The present status of ophthalmological management for diabetics]

A questionnaire regarding management of patients with diabetes was mailed to 315 ophthalmologists. The status of ophthalmological management at the hospitals and clinics was investigated. The return rate of questionnaires was 73%. The problems at the clinics were 1. many cases have ophthalmological symptoms at the first ophthalmological examination (longer time from the onset of diabetes to the first ophthalmological examination), 2. appropriate cooperation between ophthalmology and internal medicine is lacking, 3. the collection of information on blood glucose control level is difficult, and 4. there is not enough consultation by appointment. The common problems to both hospitals and clinics were 1. satisfactory measures are not taken regarding dropout ophthalmology patients, and 2. a system of patient education does not exist. There is a pressing need for comprehensive measures to be taken by medical association leaders and medical administrators to settle these problems.