A new initiative in Sardinia, Italy, aimed at preventing vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, has provided free eye screenings to approximately 400 citizens in 11 municipalities. The project, titled “Towards a Healthy Sardinia,” concluded on , and was funded by the Fondazione di Sardegna and implemented in collaboration with Diabete Zero, Le Ragazze Terribili, and Angedras Eventi.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant complication of diabetes, affecting the blood vessels in the retina. It’s a leading cause of blindness globally, and early detection is crucial for preventing vision loss. As highlighted by research, approximately one-third of the estimated 285 million people worldwide with diabetes mellitus have signs of diabetic retinopathy.
The screening campaign focused on communities in Northern Sardinia that were geographically distant from major hospital facilities, addressing a critical access-to-care issue. Participants benefited from comprehensive eye exams utilizing the Fundus Camera Aurora, a cutting-edge technology equipped with artificial intelligence. This technology allows for detailed examination of the back of the eye, aiding in the detection of early signs of the disease.
Dr. Laura Giorico, the regional coordinator for IAPB – Fondazione Italia and project lead, and orthoptist Dr. Maria Bonaria Mura, presented the project’s findings at an event held on , in Sassari. The initiative underscores the importance of raising awareness about diabetes, a condition with particularly high incidence rates in the Sardinia region.
The event drew participation from leaders of the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired (UICI) – both national and regional representatives – as well as Giorgio Ricci, the national representative of IAPB. Representatives from the University Hospital, the regional health authority (ASL), and Dr. Carla Fundoni, president of the regional health commission, also attended, alongside numerous mayors and regional councilors from the area.
The UICI’s local branch in Sassari has a long-standing commitment to preventative care, operating a mobile ophthalmological unit and a social eye clinic to support populations facing barriers to accessing public healthcare. Francesco Santoro, president of the Sassari section of UICI, expressed gratitude to the local mayors for their logistical support and expertise. He emphasized the high demand for preventative services among citizens and expressed hope for the project’s continuation.
Diabetic retinal exams (DREs) are a painless procedure where a vision care specialist dilates a patient’s eyes with eye drops and uses special lenses to examine the retina for signs of diabetic retinopathy. These exams are a cornerstone of preventative care for individuals with diabetes.
While glucose levels may appear relatively normal, Dr. Melina Perez, an optometrist at Neighborhood Health Center in Buffalo, New York, notes that this doesn’t always reflect the health of the eyes. “That’s why it is important for every patient that is diabetic to get this screening done,” she stated. This highlights the importance of regular screenings even for well-controlled diabetic patients.
The challenges of accessing vision care are particularly acute for individuals with limited language proficiency. Organizations like Neighborhood Health Center address this by providing real-time translation services for patients and providers, ensuring effective communication and understanding of care.
The “Towards a Healthy Sardinia” project represents a significant step towards improving diabetic retinopathy screening rates and reducing the burden of vision loss in the region. By leveraging innovative technology and collaborative partnerships, the initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to public health and preventative care. The success of this project underscores the need for continued investment in accessible and comprehensive eye care services for individuals with diabetes.
Although diabetes-related eye exams are widely recognized as an effective method for early detection of diabetic retinopathy, adherence to screening exams in the United States is suboptimal, according to research. Quality improvement projects, such as the implementation of mobile DR screening units, are being explored to increase screening rates and awareness.
