RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Accuracy of Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy by Family Physicians JF The Annals of Family Medicine JO Ann Fam Med FD American Academy of Family Physicians SP 218 OP 220 DO 10.1370/afm.67 VO 2 IS 3 A1 James M. Gill A1 David M. Cole A1 Harry M. Lebowitz A1 James J. Diamond YR 2004 UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/2/3/218.abstract AB BACKGROUND We wanted to examine the accuracy of family physicians’ screening for diabetic retinopathy using standardized criteria and a nonmydriatic ophthalmoscope. METHODS Eleven family physicians assessed 28 standardized patients with diabetes mellitus using the PanOptic ophthalmoscope. Their assessments of whether the patients required referral to an ophthalmologist were compared with the reference standard of retinal diagrams. RESULTS The mean sensitivity for the family physicians was 87% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83%–91%) with a specificity of 57% (95% CI, 46%–68%). Overall agreement was moderate, with a mean κ = .43 (95% CI, 0.39%–0.47%). CONCLUSIONS Using standardized criteria and a nonmydriatic ophthalmoscope, family physicians were fairly accurate in screening patients for diabetic retinopathy. Whereas this technique is not sufficiently accurate to replace routine referral for all patients with diabetes, it can be used to improve care for those patients who fail to get routine eye screenings.