Healthy Eyes Healthy PeopleŽ Study: Optometrists Are Working with Patients to Reduce Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective:The primary aim of this Applied Research Project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the HEHP program to determine the role the doctors of optometry are playing in their communities to reduce the visual impairment of their patients due to diabetic retinopathy.

Methods:All of the grants that have been awarded through the HEHP program from 2005 to 2009 were assessed.  Data analyzed included the State Association applying, the types of collaborations they established, and the vision objective they addressed.  The projects dealt with one or more of the vision objectives of Healthy People 2010. 

Results:The HEHP program effectiveness is measured by analyzing the number of grants provided dilated eye exam and educational material to their patients. Barriers to the success of this program will also be analyzed in this project.  I used the SPSS and tried to find the frequency distribution for vision screening, educational material distributed and both done by those grantees.

Conclusion: Through the HEHP program, the optometrists are focused on reducing visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy. Optometrists are the primary care providers that are working to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy. Through the HEHP program, optometrists are encouraging diabetics to get annual eye examinations by disseminating educational/informational brochures nationwide.