Diabetes makes you blind, this ancient belief is not completely far from the medical truth, because visual disturbances are part of the comorbidities of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy can therefore affect diabetics. And there are more than 20,000 in Loir-et-Cher… “Diabetics can be screened by their treating ophthalmologist when they have one, but not everyone has regular follow-up even though it should be done every yearexplains Philippe Adam Rodriguez, director of Santé Escale 41. We have succeeded in implementing a great prevention action as close as possible to patients in Loir-et-Cher. A fairly unique action, which will gain momentum in 2025.”
Concretely, there are 4 orthoptists who travel to Blaisois and Romorantinais in a medical center, an office or a public place made available by the CPTS (territorial professional health community) and who take the images using a mobile retinograph. These are then sent to 6 tele-expert ophthalmologists, all from the department, who will read them. In 2024, the retinograph was used 8 times and detected 150 diabetics who were not being monitored. 4% came back positive.
At least twelve outings also in Vendômois
In 2025, there will be at least 12 organized outings, because Vendômois will also be affected. “In Vendômois, there are huge areas of deserted access to care. We can see 30 patients in a day, so we will try to increase the number of outings because this preventive action is essential”adds Philippe Adam Rodriguez.
And above all unique for ten years in Loir-et-Cher. Initially supported by the Santé Nutrition Diabète network, it was a first experience of teleexpertise for ophthalmologists, with a retinograph financed by the regional health agency. Health networks have been transformed, but the desire to act together has remained, driven by the CPTS and facilitated by the broadening of the skills of orthoptists. Hospital ophthalmologists participate in prevention and thus allow all those who are not followed to be screened regularly. They are invited by the CPAM to attend screenings if they have not been consulted for two years. “This allows us to go to rural areas and connect patients with caregivers. »
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