Sight is one of our most valuable senses, yet many people living with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease without even realizing it. Diabetes-related eye complications can develop silently and lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC), hosts the free Diabetes Eye Screening Program (DESP) to provide accessible and equitable sight-saving healthcare. Our DESP is currently the top-performing tele-ophthalmology program in Ontario and has completed over 4600 eye screenings since 2017.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Canada, but the risk of vision loss can be significantly reduced with early detection and treatment. “Regular eye screenings can detect diabetes-related eye disease early and prevent it from getting worse,” explains Hamid Moghimi, Diabetes Eye Screening Program Registered Practical Nurse (DESP RPN). “Many people with diabetes don’t realize they have eye issues until it’s too late, making regular screenings even more crucial.” In fact, an estimated 25% of people with diabetes in Canada are affected by diabetic retinopathy, yet 35% of them have never been screened.
Low screening rates emphasize the value of the DESP and the importance of accessibility for those who need it most. Screenings are completely free and OHIP is not required which means people who are uninsured or who cannot afford routine eye exams have access to sight-saving healthcare. This is particularly significant given that uninsured individuals face some of the highest rates of vision loss, in addition to low income and Indigenous communities.
The program uses tele-ophthalmology, an innovative approach that allows health care providers to analyze high-resolution images of the eye for early signs of diabetes-related damage. This technology enables earlier detection, timely interventions and a greater chance of preserving eyesight. Screenings typically take between 30 to 60 minutes and involve checking a person’s vision, conducting an eye pressure test and taking pictures of the back of the eyes with a special camera. “The service was wonderful and staff were very compassionate and friendly. I wouldn’t mind coming in every day,” says long-time client Winnifred White.
For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit eyescreening.ca or email [email protected]. To see what your diabetes eye screening experience might look like, watch a video on our YouTube channel.