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Capacity building for diabetic retinopathy screening by optometrists in India: Model description and pilot results.

Authors :
Rani, Padmaja
Peguda, Hari
Chandrashekher, M
Swarna, Sheeba
Jonnadula, Ganesh
James, Jissa
Shinde, Lakshmi
Bharadwaj, Shrikant
Rani, Padmaja Kumari
Peguda, Hari Kumar
Jonnadula, Ganesh Babu
Bharadwaj, Shrikant R
Source :
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology; Mar2021, Vol. 69 Issue 3, p655-659, 5p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

<bold>Purpose: </bold>The present study's objectives are 1) to describe a novel model of Diabetic Retinopathy Capacity Building (DRCB) for optometrists in the detection of diabetes-related retinal pathology in India and 2) to assess the outcomes of this model by comparing the ability of optometrists to detect these diseases using retinal photographs, vis-à-vis, a specialist ophthalmologist.<bold>Methods: </bold>The DRCB model for optometrists conducted between August 2016 and August 2018 included training, certification in the screening, and referral guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and hospital-and community-based service delivery. Training included a 7-month long fellowship in DR and mentored participation as cofacilitators in 1-day orientation workshops on DR screening guidelines across India. The sensitivity and specificity of study optometrists in screening for DR by fundus photography were compared to a retina specialist before certification.<bold>Results: </bold>A total of eight optometrists successfully completed their DR fellowship in the project duration of 24 months. The sensitivity and specificity of detection of any DR were 95 and 79%, any Diabetic macular edema (DME) was 80 and 86%. The sensitivity and specificity of detection of sight threatening DR were 88 and 90% and DME was 72% and 92% respectively. Seven workshops were cofacilitated by study optometrists training 870 optometrists in DR screening guidelines across India.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>The present DRCB model results advocate for an optometry coordinated DR screening in India. Lessons learnt from this model can be useful in designing community-based task sharing initiatives for optometrists in DR screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03014738
Volume :
69
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
149042412
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_1944_20