Prevent Blindness (PB) has formed a new committee in support of its diabetes and eye health programming and education endeavors: Prevent Blindness “Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee.”
First, let’s discuss diabetes and vision.
The International Diabetes Federation reported that 11.1% (one in nine) of the global adult population has diabetes.
- The projection: One in eight adults will be living with diabetes by 2050 (a 46% increase from current numbers)
- Even more troubling: The risk for blindness among diabetic patients is 25 times higher than patients without diabetes.
Among the potential ocular diseases associated with this patient base:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
In fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that an estimated +90% of vision loss stemming from diabetes is preventable—so early detection and treatment are key.
Now to PB’s efforts.
This new committee comprises patient advocates, nonprofit organization members, and clinical professionals from across several specialties (eyecare, public health, as well as vision and eye health industries). See the full list of members here.
Their purpose: Offering guidance on:
- Increasing awareness and early identification of diabetes-related eye diseases
- Improved access to eyecare and treatment, policy development, research, and surveillance
And how does the committee intend to target these?
PB is implementing three initiatives across the country intended to reduce diabetes-related eye disease.
First up: In partnership with PB North Carolina (and supported by UnitedHealthcare), PB will be piloting “refined systems of care” in North Carolina Community Health Centers.
What this will involve:
- Testing of new education materials for parents of diabetic pediatric patients
- Expansion of tele-retinal screenings for adults aged 40+ in community health centers
- Improved care coordination (between physicians) for diabetic patients
And secondly?
In partnership with Regeneron and Genentech, the nonprofit is also developing (and launching) the bilingual Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library.
About this: The library will offer short, educational content based on a user’s voice requests as well as shareable content (via text messages).
Status update: PB shared that the platform is currently in “the final stage of testing” and is expected to launch into clinic settings in collaboration with participating PB affiliates and partners.
- No specifics were provided regarding those affiliates and partners; however, see here for a list of PB affiliates participating in this committee
Gotcha. And that third initiative?
Another major focus for the committee is the creation of a modular education program—also supported by Genentech and Regeneron—geared toward offering “patient-centered, bias-free care” for eyecare providers and other allied health professionals.
The basis for this: PB referenced “extensive community-based research” involving key informant interviews and focus groups spanning across five states that identified gaps in both care and patient experiences.
- Those states: Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.
When can we expect that to launch?
As the program’s modules are currently still in development, no specific timeframe was provided.
However: The plan is for the modules to be launched through:
- The Joint Commission on Allied Personnel in Ophthalmology’s ophthalmic tech continuing education unit (CEU) program
- The American Optometric Association’s paraoptometric CEU program
Sounds like a lot is in the works …
Indeed it is. And this is in addition to PB’s existing resources for diabetes and vision, including a Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit.
- What that offers: Bilingual (English and Spanish) materials and educational resources, including an online course for health educators (click here to request it).