FLORIDA LIONS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY FOUNDATION
PROCEDURE UPDATES
I wanted to send out a few reminders on behalf of Lion Norma. Please read each item carefully and let us know if you have any questions. This is mostly regarding retina screening.
A) When doing a retina screening, whoever takes the retinal images should sign the bottom right hand corner of the retina consent form. This allows for quality control- if some pictures have room for improvement, Lion Norma can reach out to that screener to troubleshoot and ultimately get the best results. We want to continue to provide high quality retinal screenings by providing screeners assistance to improve.
(B) Do not be afraid to take a second or third picture if the initial picture is of poor quality. Remember though, only send good quality pictures to be read. If you cannot identify blood vessels and the optic nerve, then the image should be retaken. Sometime's its simply because the subject blinked. Everyone should know how to retake images. Dr Shalesh is reading the images free of charge so we want to provide him with good quality images.
C) Make sure the camera number is written on the screening form.
D) When finished screening, go through all subjects to make sure that all adequate images have been uploaded for grading.
E) Norma needs the screening forms back ASAP. This is important for many reasons, but specifically, if the retina specialist sees a condition on the picture that needs evaluation within 2 weeks, for example, but it took the club 4 weeks to get the screening forms to Norma, then this condition is not being given timely follow up.
F) Do not train any new retina imagers for now- we need to figure out why our images are having lower quality.
G) If you are only screening retina (and not blood glucose) please ask if they are diabetic and then ask how long they have had diabetes, and what their last blood sugar was.
H) Retina screeners will be getting certification cards. As Norma reviews images and sees clear, gradable images and your name is signed on the bottom right hand corner of the retina consent form, she will send you a certification card. Please don't forget to sign your name on the consent form.
The Retina Foundation wouldn't be possible without dedicated, hardworking, intelligent volunteers such as yourselves. Retina volunteers are helping to preserve the precious gift of sight-- so be proud of all you do for the foundation!
Warmest Regards,
Lion Dr Ruth Hyatt
Co-President of the Florida Lions Diabetic Retinopathy Foundation
