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The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy as identified by teleophthalmology in rural Alberta.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) as identified by teleophthalmology in a sample population of people with diabetes living in rural Alberta and to identify the risks and benefits of a teleophthalmology program for these patients.


DESIGN
Retrospective consecutive case series.


PARTICIPANTS
Three hundred ninety-four diabetic patients (788 eyes).


METHODS
Medical histories were obtained, following which patients underwent visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements and stereoscopic, 7-field, digital retinal photography. Images were graded by ophthalmologists in Edmonton, Alta., according to a modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scoring template. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up recommendations were communicated to local health care providers and data were collected for review.


RESULTS
Three hundred ninety-four patients (788 eyes) were assessed via 593 teleophthalmology visits over the 3-year period. DR was identified in 27.2% of patients (2.3% with proliferative DR and 24.9% with nonproliferative DR). A variety of other diagnoses, independent of DR, were also made. Recommendations for follow-up teleophthalmology and in-person referral were completed in 76.8% and 87.3% of patients, respectively, although many were completed later than was recommended. Teleophthalmology saved approximately 450 round trips from Edson to the nearest urban centre (Edmonton) over the 2-year period, equating to approximately 1900 hours and 180 000 km of driving.


CONCLUSIONS
Teleophthalmology can effectively identify DR while reducing travel time and distance for patients with diabetes living in a rural community. However, many patients did not follow up or attend referral appointments in a timely fashion, underscoring the need for ongoing quality assessment.