Retinal imaging assessment is another diagnostic examination that The Jones Center conducts, as part of our comprehensive care center services, for our diabetes patients.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a progressive ophthalmic microvascular complication of diabetes characterized by the presence of microanuerysms, hemorrhages, exudates, venous changes, neovascularization, and retinal thickening. It can involve the peripheral retina, the macula, or both.

The various identifiable stages of the condition are described as: background where pathology is intraretinal, proliferative where pathology extends forward onto the retinal surface into the vitreous and beyond and pre-proliferative where the condition exhibits signs of imminent proliferation.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working age Americans. Early detection is critical to prevention, yet fewer than 50% of all diabetic patients have an annual eye examination. Diabetes care providers are accountable for insuring that HEDIS measures are followed for diabetic patients.

Our assessment is conducted in a few minutes, with no eye dilation, using a HEDIS-compliant and FDA-approved high resolution camera. The digital retinal images are transmitted over a secure, HIPPA compliant network to a board certified retinal ophthalmologist for examination and assessment report.

This examination is not conducted in lieu of the annual eye examinations that all diabetes patients should have with their ophthalmologist. However, this diagnostic assessment tool enhances our ability to improve patient compliance, and if a problem is found on the retinal image, the patient can quickly be referred to an ophthalmologist for proper treatment.