Eastern Plumas Health Care held its latest diabetic retinopathy screening day on Sat., Sept. 19. This screening is essential for diabetic patients who don’t have easy access to an eye care provider for a complete vision exam. The statistics on diabetic retinopathy are staggering. The disease threatens forty percent of diabetic patients with eye disease and possible blindness. Further, patients often don’t know anything is wrong until it’s too late to stop the disease.
With this simple screening, however, over ninety percent of patients who have the beginnings of the disease can be treated and their eye sight saved. The screening takes about ten minutes and is usually done with eyes dilated. Patients who can’t have their eyes dilated can still have the exam. The screening is covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most other individual insurance plans.
Christina Potter, FNP, has trained with UC Berkeley digital health specialists on the use of the diabetic retinopathy camera. Nicole Tuccori, LVN, is also trained to take the detailed retinal images. “By providing this service in the primary care setting, we give patients easier access, which we hope will increase patient compliance with this recommended annual screening,” said Potter.
Eight retinal images per patient are encrypted and sent through the secure online EyePACS system, using a standard computer, to the optometrists who work with UC Berkeley Digital Health. These specialists read the images and send reports back indicating retinopathy level and referral recommendations to Potter at EPHC in 48 hours or less. Patients who have advanced signs of retinopathy will be referred to a specialist for treatment. EPHC will arrange these specialist appointments for diabetic retinopathy patients, even making sure that patients have transportation to their appointments. Patients whose screenings are clear or show mild diabetic retinopathy will need to come back a re-screening. Each patient report will indicate exactly how soon they need to be re-screened.
EPHC wants to make this vision saving screening available to every diabetic patient in Plumas County. Test results will be sent to the provider that the patient designates, whether that provider is at EPHC or another medical facility. “The point is to make sure these patients keep their vision. There is no excuse for not getting this test,” said EPHC’s Community Programs Coordinator, Linda Satchwell.
Patients can call 993.1231. Screenings are available on regular clinic days in Loyalton. For further information or to learn about upcoming Portola screening dates, please call 832.6597.