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Annual cycle of care - Eyes

  • 1.  Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 11-02-2021 09:46
    How often do you have your eyes checked?

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    Live Your Life Community Team
    Natasha and Erin
    membership@diabetesqld.org.au
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  • 2.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 11-02-2021 15:46
    I have my eyes checked annually.  Fortunately no change in my prescription for glasses.  Current pair have lasted me 4 years

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    Greg
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  • 3.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 12-02-2021 17:14
    I am finding OPSM very expensive who uses someone else and happy with pricing

    Sent from my iPhone


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  • 4.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 13:06
    Do you have a Commonwealth Seniors Heath Card ?

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    Leonard
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  • 5.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 14:28
    Yes, I have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card. Saves me about $1,000 a year in prescriptions. Denis

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    Denis
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  • 6.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 11-02-2021 17:15
    I have my eyes checked annually.  Since the check involves an agent to dilate pupils make sure that you have a driver to get you home and take your sun glasses.

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    Stephen
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  • 7.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 12-02-2021 17:39
    <Mine are checked  every 6 to 8 months

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    Denis
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 13:05

    Hi All,

    My GP doesn't think my diabetes is serious enough to warrant having a Annual Cycle of Care arrangement.  Apparently my HbA1c checkups every 6 months and a daily BGL of 6 to 7 means I'm managing my diabetes quite well for now.  (I'm 62)  Mind you, it should be a good reading taking Janumet and Forxiga everyday!  So I get my eyes checked every two years by a very capable Optometrist.   

     

    Keep up your good work Diabetes Qld!  ��

     

    Kind regards,

    Yvonne

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

     




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  • 9.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 15:07
    I have mine checked annually at Specsavers.  Eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare. Of course prescription glasses are extra but there is a good range. 
    Specsavers have partnered with Diabetes Australia to promote patient awareness and mobilisation. The website below also has info on when referral to an ophthalmologist might be appropriate.


    Diabetes Australia website re eye health:

    Looking after your eyes

    To look after your eyes and help prevent vision loss:

    • Have your eyes checked regularly, at least every two years, to pick up early signs of damage
    • Control your blood glucose levels.
    • Maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
    • If your vision has been affected, seek treatment from your doctor to stop it from getting worse.

    Who can test your eyes?

    Initially your doctor may test your eyes and if needed refer you to an optometrist or a specialist.





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  • 10.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 17-02-2021 03:04
    I am disappointed that Diabetes Australia only recommends seeking treatment if vision has been affected. In my view (and the view of my endocrinologist, who is also a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland) you need to be proactive about diabetes eye care. If your vision has been affected it may well be too late.

    And then there's the further statement that initially your doctor (GP, presumably) may test your eyes... The average GP doesn't have the equipment  to test your eyes to the standard required.

    In my view every diabetic should be seeing an opthalmologist (please, please not an optometrist) regularly.

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    Paul
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  • 11.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 18-02-2021 10:36
    G'day Paul

    I agree with you on Dr.s not having the equipment,
    but I'm sure the Diabetes Queensland didn't mean
    to have your eyes checked when you have eye
    trouble.

    My Optometrist has all the eye testing equipment
    that is needed, plus I have my eyes tested 6 monthly.

    Kind regards


    Virus-free. www.avg.com



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  • 12.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 18-02-2021 13:11
    But your optometrist is not an MD and is under no obligation to report to your GP or your endocrinologist. I don't deny that a good optometrist MAY pick up on diabetes related problems. But every time I have my eye test for spectacles my optician practice has a new optometrist, and I'm sure that applies to a majority of the major optician chains.

    I want my treating  doctors to be aware of ALL aspects of my diabetes.

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    Paul
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 18-02-2021 14:21
    I have an annual eye test at Specsavers, which includes testing eyesight, intraocular pressure and a retinal examination which clearly shows the blood vessels, optic nerve and macula. These are the areas of concern with diabetes. Everything is normal so far, and my optometrist (not always the same one) usually asks if I would like the results sent to my GP. I’m sure any optometrist would be happy to do the same.
    My doctor is kept up to date with everything. If my BGL was not very well controlled, or there were any issues with my tests I know my GP would discuss her concerns with me and refer me to an ophthalmologist. She is very proactive in my diabetes care, as am I.
    It’s in our own best interest to be proactive in our health care, and to seek a second opinion if we have any concerns. Don’t be afraid to question your health care, and do what feels right for you.
    Kerry G


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  • 14.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 18-02-2021 14:35
    I agree with your appraisal Kerry.  I too use Specsavers and have done for years.  They conduct the full range of necessary tests and report to my GP.   To attend an ophthalmologist would be difficult for many rural folk and provided all tests are conducted professionally I see no difference.

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    Stephen
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  • 15.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 18-02-2021 15:41
    Specsavers are  clearly on the ball, then. That all sounds OK - as long as your GP is kept in the loop. That cannot be stressed too strongly.

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    Paul
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  • 16.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 19-02-2021 14:23
    Hi Paul

    My GP & Optometrist work for me, together.
    That's why I get tested 6 Monthly.

    Kind regards

    Mark M



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  • 17.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 16:10
    This statement horrifies  me... "My GP doesn't think my diabetes is serious enough to warrant having a Annual Cycle of Care arrangement."
    EVERY case of  diabetes is serious enough to warrant an annual cycle of care. No matter how well controlled it is, things can change rapidly and you need regular specialist supervision and checking to pick up any small changes to get on top of them before they become major ones..
    Win



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  • 18.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 16:20
    I agree wholeheartedly with you Win. I’d find a new doctor quick smart if I heard that.

    Kerry G


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  • 19.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 16-02-2021 17:05

    I agree!  Has this doctor been keeping up his MOPS? (Maintenance of professional standards)

    You do have the option of insisting that you get the Annual checkups, you inow.

    Daw M

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows 10

     




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  • 20.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 16-02-2021 19:09
    This statement horrifies  me... "My GP doesn't think my diabetes is serious enough to warrant having a Annual Cycle of Care arrangement."
    EVERY case of  diabetes is serious enough to warrant an annual cycle of care. No matter how well controlled it is, things can change rapidly and you need regular specialist supervision and checking to pick up any small changes to get on top of them before they become major ones..
    Win



    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 12-02-2021 17:39
    In the beginning, I was getting my eyes checked every three months as I had a spot close to my macular and retinopathy.� Eventually, with a prescription of Lipidil 145mg my eyes have improved. I see my eye specialist every 9 months!

    Craig

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    Craig
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  • 22.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 12-02-2021 17:40
    I get mine checked annually.

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    Ross
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  • 23.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 12-02-2021 17:40
    I have my eyes checked every year. This year I had them checked at the beginning of June only to have them checked at the beginning of August to find out I had cateracts. I have no idea why the optician didn't pick the cateracts up in June!
    Anyway I have had both my eyes done begore Christmas.



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  • 24.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 17-02-2021 02:55
    Because an optometrist (not an optician-opticians don't check eyes at all) is basically checking for changes in spectacles prescription.
    Read  through the thread . The differences between opticians, optometrists and opthalmologists are well explained.

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    Paul
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    Original Message


  • 25.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 18-02-2021 07:58
    Hi

    Just want to say I am blessed by having an amazing Doctor who is across everything and a fabulous optometrist who does everything with my yearly eye checks!

    Cannot thank them enough

    Regards
    Linda

    Sent from my iPad


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  • 26.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 13-02-2021 15:52
    I note a couple of people mention having their eyes checked by an optician. IMHO they should be checked by a specialist opthalmologist. It's more than just a check for prescription changes.

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    Paul
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    Original Message


  • 27.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 14-02-2021 14:42

    Recommended is at least yearly.

    Preferably, in my opinion and others' too, by an ophthalmologist.

    With COVID last year, my appointment at the Eye Clinic was cancelled, and I only just got notification that I can see the eye doctor early March this year.  In the meantime, I've kept a check via my friendly optometrist.

    Dawn M

    PS  Google says an optician is one who makes and sells glasses, distinct from optometrists and ophthalmologists who are authorised to test eyes etc.

     

     




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  • 28.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 14-02-2021 18:52
    Hi Paul,
    You are so dead-right.I'm amazed myself that people with diabetes are having their eye test from an optician.?? 
    I have a yearly eye test ,and I get this done with a specialist ophthalmologist  - which I believe he's part of the Annual Circle of Care.
    Well done - Paul ,your on the right track.
    Cheers
    Margaret.
    --
    Margaret Gracie
     



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  • 29.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 14-02-2021 20:23
    Thanks, Margaret.
    But in fairness I'm guessing at least some of them mean their eye test is done by the resident optometrist at their optician store. Every optician store has one.
    Nevertheless, I still prefer to have my diabetes check done by a specialist opthalmoogist, and I'm sure my endocrinologist would read me the riot act if I did otherwise.
    An optometrist is NOT a Doctor of Medicine (MD), which means among other things that he/she does not report back to your GP and/or endocrinologist. To see an opthalmologist on the other hand requires a referral from your GP or endocrinologist, which in turn places an obligation on them to report back to the referring doctor. My opthalmologist sends his report to both my GP and my endocrinologist.
    Here is a summary of the differences between the three practices. It is American, but applies equally here:-
    https://aapos.org/glossary/difference-between-an-ophthalmologist-optometrist-and-optician

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    Paul
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    Original Message


  • 30.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 11:44
    I totally agree with Paul that you should see an Ophthalmologist who would check your eyes for more than just prescription issues.  Had I not been doing that, my bilateral Diabetic Retinopathy would not have been as well controlled and monitored as it has been.

    I have had these issues despite the well controlled diabetes.  My HBA1c a few weeks ago was 6.8.  

    I hope this helps.


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    Rashmi
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    Original Message


  • 31.  RE: Annual cycle of care - Eyes

    Posted 15-02-2021 13:10
    I had my eyes checked by an optometrist this past week.  I'd asked my GP for a referral to an ophthalmologist, and she said to get a full check by an optometrist, and if the optometrist found anything sinister to let her know and she'd refer me on.  When I booked in to the optometrist, I mentioned that I have diabetes and needed a full exam; he dilated my pupils and had a good look.  All good so far, except that I do need a stronger prescription.  I was worried about that too, but from what my GP says, an optometrist is the first port of call.

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    Janet
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