Present status of ophthalmological care for diabetic patients in Japan.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the present status of diabetic care provided by ophthalmologists working in hospitals and private clinics in Japan.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to 315 ophthalmologists. There was a return rate of 73%.


RESULTS
Problems identified in the clinics were: (1) many diabetic patients who complain chiefly of ophthalmological symptoms voluntarily request their first ophthalmological examination; (2) appropriate cooperation between ophthalmologists and physicians is not established; (3) assessing the level of blood glucose control is difficult; and (4) scheduling of appointments is inadequate. Moreover, (1) inadequate handling of patients who discontinue their ophthalmological examinations, and (2) the lack of an established patient education program were seen as problems common to both hospitals and clinics.


CONCLUSIONS
For the resolution of these problems, comprehensive countermeasures should be developed urgently by medical associations, medical administrators, and other relevant entities.
Funatsu
H
H
Department of Ophthalmology, Diabetes Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan.
Hori
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007564:Japan; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000639:trends*; D005791:Patient Care / Q000639:trends*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001786:Blood Glucose