Eye Health and Vision Care for Patients With Diabetes: Comparing Usual Care to a Targeted Intervention in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients with diabetes may not understand the importance of annual dilated eye examinations or recognize the benefits of early detection of diabetic eye disease. The goal of this study is to compare the efficacy of usual care to an intervention emphasizing patient education targeted at a multicultural adult patient population with diabetes seeking eye care in an academic health center. The specific aims of this study are to evaluate patient knowledge of preventive health strategies for diabetes as they pertain to eye health and vision care, to assess patient satisfaction with eye and vision care, and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the care of patients with diabetes.

Ninety patients were randomized to two arms representing usual care and an intervention emphasizing patient education targeted at English-speaking adults with diabetes seeking eye care in an academic health center. The project was developed within the Health Professions Division at Nova Southeastern University.

Participation was comprised of a comprehensive eye health and vision examination, patient education, and completion of study instruments described below. A demographic survey documenting patient age, sex, physician-reported HbA1C, education, and birthplace was administered to all patients at baseline. Race and ethnicity were self reported using categories in current use by the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD).

Patients assigned to the intervention were provided with a written report at the conclusion of the examination. The triplicate form included a report of eye examination findings with a copy designated for the medical record, the primary care physician, and the patient. The back side of the patient's copy included educational materials targeted at a layperson while the physician's copy included information directed at a primary health care provider.

Patients assigned to usual care received patient education at the discretion of the eye care provider. Following the initial examination, all medical records were reviewed with attention to communication with other health care providers, as well as other issues related to continuity and coordination of care. Patients assigned to usual care were mailed additional written educational materials at the conclusion of the study, after all study instruments had been completed.