Is Community Based Monitoring of Diabetic Maculopathy and Pre-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Safe?

Launched by HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD · Apr 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to check for eye problems related to diabetes, specifically diabetic maculopathy and pre-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The goal is to see if trained opticians can take special 3-D images of the eye using a technology called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) instead of sending patients to a hospital for these tests. A consultant ophthalmologist will then review these images virtually to decide on the best care plan. This approach could make it easier for people with diabetes to get checked closer to home and help reduce waiting times at hospital clinics.

To participate in this trial, you need to be an adult with diabetes who has been referred to a hospital eye service for suspected eye problems. However, if you are under 18 years old or already have certain types of diabetic eye disease, you wouldn’t be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to have your eyes examined by an optician who will take the necessary images, and you’ll receive feedback from a specialist without having to visit the hospital. This new method aims to make eye care more accessible and efficient while also helping to train opticians in valuable new skills.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • People with diabetes referred to the hospital eye services for review of suspected diabetic maculopathy or pre-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in HDdUHB
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • \<18 years
• • People with diagnosed diabetic macular oedema
• • People with proliferative diabetic retinopathy