Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Direct Eye Examination versus Telescreening in Rio Grande Valley, Texas By

Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Direct Eye Examination versus Telescreening in Rio Grande Valley, Texas By Fazila Aseem Diabetic retinopathy poses a significant health concern in underserved and isolated, Hispanic-populated Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Hispanics have greater risk of contracting diabetic retinopathy compared to other races due to many reasons, including socioeconomics and behavioral risk factors. Diabetes is also significantly prevalent in Rio Grande Valley, increasing the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy among the target population. Screening provides an effective way to reduce the burden of the disease. There are alternative methods of screenings for diabetic retinopathy: direct eye examination and retinal photography followed by necessary eye care and/or both, with tradeoffs to consider. Therefore, cost, access and quality concerns associated with different screening alternatives ought to be considered before implementing a strategy at population-level. Rio Grande Valley’s residents are dispersed and lack compliance to seek follow-up care. With higher prevalence, little access to preventive care, and greater cultural and economic barriers, finding cost-effective ways of reaching and screening diabetes patients in these Hispanic-populated regions is critical. By conducting a literature search and running a costeffectiveness analysis of telescreening in primary care settings vs. direct eye examination by retina specialists, this study provides an economical model to enhance access to and quality of screening diabetes patients for diabetic retinopathy in Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Direct Eye Examination versus Telescreening in Rio Grande Valley, Texas