Diabetic eye examination report

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to revise a former American Optometric Association (AOA) Diabetic Eye Examination Report form and create a standard reporting form that could be implemented easily into clinical practice.MethodsOhio Optometric Association (OOA) members were recruited to complete the pilot Diabetic Eye Examination Report (DEER) on 5 consecutive diabetic patients. They were then instructed to send a copy of the completed form to the comanaging physician of the patient’s choice. The participating optometrists and comanaging physicians were surveyed regarding the content and format of the pilot DEER.ResultsThe pilot DEER was revised based on the survey responses and comments from 51 participating optometrists and 75 comanaging physicians, existing diabetic retinopathy examination forms, and a literature review. In general, optometrists and comanaging physicians agreed on the importance of communication (100% in both groups, 51of 51 and 75 of 75). Eighty-eight percent (45 of 51) of optometrists and 95% (71 of 75) comanaging physicians found the form to be an adequate summary. Eighty-seven percent (65 of 75) of comanaging physicians expressed interest in receiving the pilot DEER as a standard communication form concerning their diabetic patients.ConclusionThe new form is now available through the OOA at www.ooa.org as an initiative of Healthy People 2010. In an electronic format, it is possible for the optometrist to type information directly onto the form, making it more professional and legible. Printed forms are also available through the AOA purchasing department.