Accuracy of Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy by Family Physicians

Article Figures & Data

Table 1.

Accuracy of Physician’s Assessments Compared With Reference Standard

Family Physician	Sensitivity	Specificity	Overall Agreement	κ	Referral Rate
100	85.7	71.4	82.1	0.55	71.4
101	100.0	28.6	82.1	0.38	92.9
102	95.2	71.4	89.3	0.70	78.6
103	90.0	16.7	73.1	0.08	88.5
104	55.0	100.0	66.7	0.39	40.7
105	95.2	28.6	78.6	0.29	89.3
106	71.4	100.0	78.6	0.57	53.6
107	90.5	14.3	71.4	0.06	89.3
108	100.0	28.6	82.1	0.34	92.9
109	85.7	71.4	82.1	0.55	71.4
110	85.7	85.7	85.7	0.65	67.9
Ophthalmologist	81.0	71.4	78.6	0.48	67.9

The Article in Brief

People with diabetes are at risk for an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. Using a new type of ophthalmoscope (a magnifying instrument) and new guidelines, primary care doctors may be better able to identify possible cases of diabetic retinopathy. Although all people with diabetes should be examined regularly by an eye specialist, this technique can help improve care for patients who do not get routine eye exams.