Evaluation of a local optometric diabetic retinopathy screening service.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the sensitivity and specificity for sight-threatening eye disease (STED) of the diabetic retinopathy screening scheme for Stockport during the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001.


METHODS
A random sample of screen-negative patients was recalled for further assessment by consultant ophthalmologists. Screen-positive patients, who were referred, were tracked through the hospital system to determine the outcome.


RESULTS
In a 12-month period, 3510 individuals with diabetes were screened, which is 1.2% of the district population. Sensitivity for STED was 75.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 49.3, 99.99] and specificity for STED was 99.0% (95% CI 98.6, 99.3).


CONCLUSIONS
The current screening arrangements in Stockport are satisfactory in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Population coverage was 1.2% over 12 months and 1.5% over 15 months and needs to be improved. An integrated computerized register requires further development.
Warburton
T J
TJ
Stockport Local Optometric Committee, Stockport, UK. trevorwarburton@tjwarburton.co.uk
Hale
P J
PJ
Dewhurst
J A
JA
D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D042262:Retinoscopy / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015351:Vision Screening / Q000379:methods*