Stereo nonmydriatic digital-video color retinal imaging compared with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study seven standard field 35-mm stereo color photos for determining level of diabetic retinopathy11The Joslin Vision Network Research Team consists of Rita Botti; Dahlia K. Bursell, Richard M. Calderon, OD; W. Kelley Gardner, BS; Richard Jackson, MD; Paula Katalinic, B. Optom.; Vincent O’Brien, BS; Philip M. Silver, OD; James Strong, BS; Ann Tolson, BA.

The results validate the agreement between nonmydriatic JVN images and dilated ETDRS photographs and suggest that this digital technique may be an effective telemedicine tool for remotely determining the level of diabetic retinopathy, suggesting timing of next retinal evaluation and identifying the need for prompt referral to ophthalmology specialists.

Abstract

Undilated digital-video images using the JVN system were comparable photographs for the determination of diabetic retinopathy level. The results validate the agreement between nonmydriatic JVN images and dilated ETDRS photographs and suggest that this digital technique may be an effective telemedicine tool for remotely determining the level of diabetic retinopathy, suggesting timing of next retinal evaluation and identifying the need for prompt referral to ophthalmology specialists. Thus, the JVN system would be an appropriate tool for facilitating increased access of diabetic patients into recommended eye evaluations, but should not be construed as a paradigm that would replace the need for comprehensive eye examinations.