Local residents will soon be able to have their eyes checked for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy when they're out shopping.

Although regular eye checks are recommended, especially for people with diabetes, many find it hard to get to the ophthalmologist's office. Thanks to the new 'Focus on Eyes' project being developed by University of Maryland Medical Center experts and collaborators, it could soon be much easier to get an eye check.

They are setting up a digital eye camera within a Baltimore shopping mall which can relay images of the retina to the ophthalmology department at the University. Participants can just call to get the result and, if there is a problem, they can be followed up. The scheme doesn't replace the regular ophthalmologist check, but it's hoped it'll reach those who don't attend. In particular, the team wants to target African-Americans who are more at risk of diabetes - with the attendant complication of diabetic retinopathy - and glaucoma. Early treatment can stop progression to vision loss.

Source

University of Maryland Medical Center 6th August 2003