Compliance with recommendations from a screening programme for diabetic retinopathy

Methods: General practitioner compliance with recommendations for patient follow-up after participation in a screening programme for diabetic retinopathy was assessed. Six months after screening with non-mydriatic retinal photography in four areas of Victoria, the general practitioner of each participant was surveyed if the participant reported no examination for diabetic retinopathy in the past 2 years and if the results of the screening indicated the need for further assessment. Results: Overall, 208 of 253 (82%) completed questionnaires were analysed. A total of 123 (59%) patients were referred by their doctors for further assessment and 97 (79%) of those referred were reported to have complied with the referral. Of the 85 (41%) patients who were not referred for further assessment, 31 (36%) were reported by their doctors to be already under regular review by an ophthalmologist. Conclusions: Compliance with general practitioner referrals suggests that this screening programme was effective and a useful means by which to remind general practitioners of the importance of regular eye examinations for people with diabetes.