Sociodemographics Associated With Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy Detected by Tele-Ophthalmology: 5-Year Results of the Toronto Tele-Retinal Screening Program

摘要

Objectives: Our aim in this study was to describe screening outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics of patients in an urban tele-ophthalmology screening program for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on adults with diabetes type 1 or type 2 enrolled in the Toronto Tele-Retinal Screening Program between September 2013 and March 2019. Results: A total of 1,374 screenings were completed, of which 344 (25) detected DR. Of all participants, 17 did not have provincial health coverage and 21 had never had an eye exam. Of the 587 patients who completed sociodemographic questionnaires, the majority (84) were born outside of Canada, and only 62 preferred English as their spoken language. Forty percent reported a household income of <$25,000, with these participants having an increased likelihood of detectable DR (odds ratio OR, 1.83; p<0.01). Conclusions: Participants with low income are more likely to screen positive for DR. Tele-ophthalmologic screening can be effective in an urban, culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged population. (c) 2021 Canadian Diabetes Association.