Mobile digital fundus screening of type 2 diabetes patients in the Finnish county of South-Ostrobothnia

Abstract

In 1999 we introduced a digital, mobile eye fundus camera for screening type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (adult onset diabetes) in the Finnish county of South-Ostrobothnia. Prior to this, eye fundus examinations were only available in the regional central hospital, and no systematic screening of type 2 (adult onset) diabetes patients was possible. The total number of screenings carried out with the mobile equipment from 1999 to 2006 was 17,471 cases. There were significant benefits, most important from improved coverage of type 2 diabetes patients. Because the mobile system made eye fundus examinations available to patients in their nearest health centre, approximately 85% of all patients with diabetes in the region are now screened. On average this means that each patient is screened once every 2.5 years, which is in line with national recommendations. As a result, more of the earlier stage retinopathy cases have been diagnosed. There have also been changes in the frequency and type of procedures at the eye department of the regional central hospital. The number of cases referred to the eye department for follow-up studies has decreased from 49 in 2000 to 19 in 2005. The screening system adopted in South-Ostrobothnia has had beneficial effects for both patients and health-care providers.