Evaluation and referral of diabetic eye disease in the endocrinology and primary care offce settings

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify whether endocrinologists and primary care physicians (PCP) adequately screen for ophthalmic symptoms/signs within offce visits and provide timely ophthalmology referrals in patients with diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients between the ages of 18 years and 80 years with diabetes who underwent an offce visit with an endocrinologist or a PCP between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, were identifed. Demographics, ophthalmic assessments, and referral information were collected. RESULTS: A total of 1,250 patient records were reviewed. Providers asked about ophthalmic symptoms/signs in 95.5% and 71% of endocrinology and primary care offce encounters, respectively (P <.0001). Past and/or future ophthalmology appointments were verifed in 86.1% and 49.7% of patients during endocrinology and PCP visits, respectively (P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic complications from diabetes are not adequately screened, especially within the primary care setting, and further quality improvement measures may improve adherence to recommended screening protocols.