Barriers to Prevention of Vision Loss Caused by Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

ARCHIVES OF FAMILY MEDICINE Primary Care Physicians' Practice Patterns and Diabetic Retinopathy: Current Levels of Care Stephanie Kakos Kraft, MPH; David G. Marrero, PhD; Emmanuel N. Lazaridis, PhD; Naomi Fineberg, PhD; Chunfu Qiu, PhD; Charles M. Clark, Jr, MD Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a costly and prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus. Objective: To assess primary care physicians' self-reported practice patterns for the screening and detection of diabetic retinopathy relative to published guidelines. Participants and Methods: All primary care physicians (defined as general internists, family practitioners, and general practitioners) in Indiana were identified and surveyed using a mailed questionnaire. Of 2390 physicians, 1508 (63%) responded and were determined to be eligible. Of these 1508 physicians, 1058 (70%) completed all or some of the eye care-related questions. For each eye care practice, physicians were asked to specify the proportion of patients to which the practice was applied and the frequency (eg, every