What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to enhance screening rates for diabetes-related eye disease in underserved communities.

June 7, 2026

1071-OR: Improving Diabetes Eye Disease Screening Rates in Under-Resourced Communities

Key Points

The aim is to enhance screening rates for diabetes-related eye disease in underserved communities.
Implemented a quality improvement initiative led by the American Diabetes Association.
Engaged community-based organizations and primary care centers to identify barriers and develop solutions.
Tracked progress using electronic health record data to assess interventions and outcomes.
Screening rates improved by 26% from baseline in both Birmingham and DC, showing significant positive changes.
Participatory engagement methods were effective in building trust and increasing screening uptake.

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Diabetes Related Eye Disease (DRED) remains the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Despite American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards of care recommendations, national screening rates remain low. Methods: The ADA implemented a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase DRED screening rates in two under-resourced communities. The project teams engaged community-based organizations (CBO) and primary care centers to identify barriers to care, co-design solutions, and implement community-centered strategies. The CBOs identified priority neighborhoods to deliver DRED education and support navigation to clinical screening opportunities. The primary care centers redesigned workflows and tested interventions. QI methods were used to guide intervention testing, track progress with electronic health record data, and analyze process and outcome measures. Results: Both communities experienced improvement in screening rates from baseline to implementation. Screening rates increased by 26% from baseline in both Birmingham and DC (see figure 1). Conclusion: By engaging both CBOs and primary care centers, significant improvements were seen in eye screening rates and referral pathways. Participatory community engagement methods initiate trust and screening uptake, support progression across the care continuum, and inform quality improvement measures within health systems. Disclosure M. Leonard: None. F.S. Foye: None. D. Dorsey: None. C. Falcon: None. T. Wiggins: None. K.C. Donfro: None. O. Ebekozien: None. Funding Genentech

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