The eye clinic

The eye clinic is a photo-screening clinic that screens for diabetes-related changes in the eye (diabetic retinopathy). These changes often occur without any symptoms. Early detection and diagnoses is important in order to begin treatment as soon as possible: early treatment may delay or even prevent some diabetes-related changes. Treatment is based on regulating high levels of blood glucose and blood pressure, but for some patients laser treatment is also necessary.

The eye-clinic staff
The clinic is staffed by three nurses who are clinicial specialists in eye diseases. The clinic operates jointly with the eye department at Glostrup county hospital. Responsibility for the clinic is split between the hospital and Steno Diabetes Center. An ophthalmologist from Herlev visits the clinic twice a week to study the eye photographs and carry out a small number of clinical check-ups (following referral).

The eye consultation
The consultation with the nurse includes an eye test and photographing of the retina in both eyes; the patient is also given information about how the eye can change as a result of diabetes. The patient’s vision is assessed in relation to the impact of diabetes and other eye diseases are discussed. Before the consultation the patient’s eyes are dripped with eye drops that act as a local anaesthetic and also enlarge the pupils. This is done to obtain the best possible picture quality. The nurse takes five pictures of each retina with a digital camera. These pictures are then assembled in one picture, and can be seen immediately.

The results of the eye pictures
Most people get the preliminary results of their eye pictures immediately after the photographs have been taken; however, the final results are given at a later consultation, after the nurse has made a thorough evaluation of the condition of the retina, sometimes in collaboration with the ophthalmologist.
If there are serious changes to the retina, the patient is notified by letter approximately 14 days after the photo session. Further eye examination or treatment is then done in the eye clinic of the patient’s local hospital.

Annual check-ups
Data on the condition of the retina are stored in a computer program along with all other data concerning the patient’s diabetes monitoring. Based on this information, the program calculates the date of the next check-up. The nurse then takes this date and relates it to the patient’s current level of vision, history of diabetes and the result of the pictures from the previous check-up before determining the actual date of the next check-up. Check-ups are carried out every 3 – 24 months, depending on the severity of any changes in the retina.