| Description |
1 DVD-ROM : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in. |
| Summary |
It was hypothesised that barriers exist for people with diabetes that prevent them from accessing eye care services regularly. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify barriers to regular eye examinations reported by people with diabetes in order to improve compliance with screening recommendations for diabetic retinopathy. Patients were recruited from the Retina and Primary Care Clinics of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital during the study period. They were eligible if they were 18 years of age or older, had diabetes for at least 2 years duration and were new to the clinic. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on patient demographics, diabetes status, previous eye care and reasons for not having had regular eye examinations for those who had not. Medical examinations included visual acuity, dilated fundus examinations and a haemoglobin Al c test for control of diabetes. A total of 203 patients participated in this study. Less than half had regular screening for diabetic retinopathy. Of those that did not have regular eye exams, more than half had vision loss less than 6/12 due to diabetic retinopathy. Almost everyone that did not have regular exam1S identified reasons for not having done so. The majority mentioned knowledge barriers such as not being aware of screening recommendations for diabetic retinopathy. However, for some having knowledge did not prompt eye examinations. Other barriers such as access, language, medical problems and beliefs were reported. This study highlights the problems faced by people with diabetes in having regular eye examinations. With the increase in prevalence of diabetes more people will be at risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. However, prevention or progression to sight-threatening retinopathy can be achieved by having regular eye examinations beginning at diagnosis of diabetes. Eye health promotion programmes need to target all people with diabetes with a special emphasis on older people, those from non-English speaking backgrounds and those that medical problems. These people had knowledge of screening recommendations but were not compliant. |
| Notes |
Published on demand |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references |
| Notes |
Thesis (M.Sc.) -- University of Melbourne, Dept. of Ophthalmology, 2000 |
| Subject |
Diabetic retinopathy
|
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Eye -- Examination
|
| Author |
University of Melbourne
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