The value of digital imaging in diabetic retinopathy

OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of digital imaging, compared with other modalities, in screening for and monitoring the development of diabetic retinopathy. DESIGN: All imaging was acquired at a hospital assessment clinic. Subsequently, study optometrists examined the patients in their own premises. A subset of patients also had fluorescein angiography performed every 6 months. SETTING: Research clinic at the hospital eye clinic and optometrists' own premises. PARTICIPANTS: Study comprised 103 patients who had type 1 diabetes mellitus, 481 had type 2 diabetes mellitus and two had secondary diabetes mellitus; 157 (26.8%) had some form of retinopathy ('any') and 58 (9.9%) had referable retinopathy. INTERVENTIONS: A repeat assessment was carried out of all patients 1 year after their initial assessment. Patients…