title: Reprint of: Primary care physicians' knowledge of the ophthalmic effects of diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Previous studies suggest that many patients with diabetes do not receive an annual dilated eye examination because of a lack of referrals from primary care physicians (PCPs). This study aims to determine the depth of knowledge of PCPs regarding diabetic eye disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-seven PCPs.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 8-question, multiple-choice assessment was administered over a 3-month period to 208 PCPs in attendance at continuing medical education conferences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-seven PCPs completed the assessment. Participants had a mean total score of 5.9 of 8 possible (73.8%). Questions regarding screening, clinical findings, and prevention were answered correctly by ≥ 81% of the respondents. However, questions regarding risk factors and complications were answered correctly by less than 35% of the respondents. No difference in scores was found based on the type of residency training received or the number of years in practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although PCPs may require greater education in the complications and risk factors of diabetic eye disease, study participants demonstrated a good overall depth of knowledge regarding diabetic eye disease. Thus, previous reports of only 35% to 55% of patients with diabetes receiving an annual dilated fundus examination are likely not due to a lack of physician education.
authors.affiliation: Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Wiggins
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR. Electronic address: rdlandes@uams.edu.
authors.forename: Reid D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Landes
authors.affiliation: Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: Swetangi D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bhaleeya
authors.affiliation: Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: Sami H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Uwaydat