Is Digital Retinal Imaging Alone Sufficient as a Screening Tool for Diabetic Retinopathy

Aims. To determine whether the addition of direct ophthalmoscopy to digital retinal imaging confers an advantage over imaging alone. Method. Cohort study in a DGH teaching hospital, Birmingham. Two hundred diabetic patients attending eye-screening clinics were examined by digital retinal imaging and ophthalmoscopy. Results. In 115 (57.5%) patients the quality of the image was sufficient and no additional information was gained from also carrying out ophthalmoscopy. In a total of 76, representing 38% of patients examined, the addition of ophthalmoscopy improved detection of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion. There is an advantage in combining digital imaging and ophthalmoscopy in eye screening, as opposed to using either method individually, to improve the detection of diabetic retinopathy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.