Screening for diabetic retinopathy in primary care with a mobile fundal camera - Evaluation of a South African pilot project

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dc.contributor.authorMash, Bob
dc.contributor.authorPowell, Di
dc.contributor.authorDu Plessis, Felicity
dc.contributor.authorVan Vuuren, Unita
dc.contributor.authorMichalowska, M.
dc.contributor.authorLevitt, N.
dc.date.accessioned2011-03-18T14:56:55Z
dc.date.available2011-03-18T14:56:55Z
dc.date.issued2007-12
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
dc.description.abstractBackground and aims: In South Africa diabetes makes a significant contribution to the burden of disease. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of adult blindness, and screening can reduce the incidence. This project aimed to implement and evaluate a new service for retinal screening that uses a non-mydriatic mobile fundal camera in primary care. This is the first time such a service has been evaluated in an African primary care context. Methods. The service was implemented as an operational research study at three community health centres and data were collected to evaluate the operational issues, screening, reporting and referral of patients. Results. Out of 400 patients screened 84% had a significantly reduced visual acuity, 63% had retinopathy (22% severe non-proliferative, 6% proliferative and 15% maculopathy), 2% of eyes could not be screened and 14% of patients required dilatation. Referral was necessary in 27% of cases for cataracts, in 7% for laser treatment and in 4% for other specialist services. Repeat photography was needed in 8% and urgent follow-up in 12%. A SWOT analysis of the pilot project was completed and recommendations were made on how to integrate it into the district health system. Conclusion. Screening with a fundal camera improved the quality of care for diabetic patients and is feasible in the South African public sector, primary care setting. A single technician should be able to photograph almost 10 000 patients a year.en_ZA
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent5. p. : tables
dc.identifier.citationMash, B. et. al. 2007. Screening for diabetic retinopathy in primary care with a mobile fundal camera - Evaluation of a South African pilot project. South African Medical Journal, 9(12):1284-1288.en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn02569574 (print)
dc.identifier.issn20785135 (online)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/7068
dc.language.isoen_USen_ZA
dc.publisherHealth and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)en_ZA
dc.rights.holderHealth and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)en_ZA
dc.subjectDiabetic retinopathy -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Evaluationen_ZA
dc.subjectRetinal screening service -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectMobile fundal camera -- Implementation -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectDiabetic patients -- Eye care -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectDiabetic patients -- Services for -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshDiabetic retinopathy -- Diagnosis -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.titleScreening for diabetic retinopathy in primary care with a mobile fundal camera - Evaluation of a South African pilot projecten_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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