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VA EXPANDING TELE-RETINAL IMAGING PROGRAM FOR
VETERANS WITH DIABETES -- Early detection will
benefit the 20% of VA patients who have
diabetes.
Story here...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/
07/vap07/vap021507-1.htm
Story below:
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Technology Identifies Veterans at Risk for
Diabetic Eye Disease
February 15, 2007
Secretary Nicholson: “Important Initiative for Veterans”
WASHINGTON – Many veterans with diabetes are getting initial screening
for possible eye disease during their Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) primary care appointments, thanks to a national tele-retinal
imaging program now in place at the majority of VA hospitals and
clinics.
“This leading-edge technology will make a difference for our nation’s
veterans. One out of every five VA patients has diabetes,” said
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Early detection of retinal
abnormalities is essential in preventing vision loss from diabetes. This
is another example of VA’s commitment to provide world-class care to our
nation’s veterans.”
This new procedure, which screens patients for diabetic retinopathy,
does not take the place of a dilated eye exam. Veterans with known
retinopathy or laser treatment will be seen in eye clinics, along with
high risk patients such as those with pregnancy or renal disease. The
new procedure is a good initial way, however, to identify patients at
risk for visual loss from diabetes.
Patients are scheduled for the imaging via the computerized patient
record system (CPRS). The images taken of the retina at the clinics are
sent to an image reading center, where an eye care specialist determines
the need for further care.
Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each
year in the United States, making diabetes the leading cause of new
cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age.
The tele-retinal imaging program is just one year old this month and
expected to expand significantly in the coming year. VA collaborated
with the Department of Defense and the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston
to implement
the technology involving digital retinal imaging and remote image
interpretations to assess for levels of diabetic retinopathy. This is
another example of how VA has achieved efficiency and quality of care
for its patients with diabetes that exceeds that in the private sector.
Diabetes is one target of a major VA program designed to reduce the high
rates of illness caused by obesity. Called MOVE -- for “Managing
Overweight Veterans Everywhere” -- it encourages veterans to increase
their physical activity and improve their nutrition. Further information
is available at www.move.va.gov.
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Larry Scott --
