FARSight-DM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility of an Alternative pathway for hospital Referrals from Diabetic Eye Screening Wales (DESW) for people suspected with Sight-threatening diabetic eye disease Diabetic Maculopathy (FARSight-DM)
IRAS ID
323048
Contact name
Eirini Skiadaresi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Diabetic Eye Screening Wales (DESW) screens for eye problems caused by diabetes, by taking 2 dimensional (2-D) photographs of the back of the eye (retina).
High blood glucose damageages blood vessels causing them to close and leak causing swelling in the central area of the retina (macula) and ischaemia seen in diabetic maculopathy and preproliferative diabetic maculopathy. 2-D images cannot be used to diagnose diabetic maculopathy and preproliferative diabetic retinopathy requires more frequent monitoring with slit lamp and wide field imaging, so patients are referred to Hospital Eye Services (HES) for further tests and more frequent monitoring. OCT scans and slit lamp examinations are available in many optician practices, as well as HES.
Many people with diabetic maculopathy have mild changes and preprolifertaive diabetic retinopathy does not affect vision. Treatment is only recommended when it affects central vision (sight that is straight in front of you) or when proliferative changes develop.
This research will explore an alternative pathway, where people with suspected diabetic maculopathy and preproliferative diabetic retinopathy are referred to local opticians for an eye test, OCT scans and slit lamp examinations. Information collected by the optician will be sent electronically for virtual review and management plan by a consultant ophthalmologist.
We will recruit patients referred to HES and randomly allocate them to usual care or the alternative pathway. We will interview some participants to explore their views on the pathways.
We want to find out if this alternative pathway works, if it is acceptable, and what the changes might mean for patients and the NHS. We will compare waiting and travel times and patient perspectives in both pathways. Potential benefits are that patients will be seen earlier and closer to home. If rolled-out across Wales, 1,800 – 2,700 people annually could avoid unnecessary HES appointments.REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
24/WA/0058
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion