In order to plan for DR services, you need to know the need. You can estimate the need for DR services in your setting using the template below. Once you have identified the total population, the population age >20 years and the prevalence of diabetes, you can calculate figures A-D using the proportions indicated.
A = number that requires annual screening for DR
B = number that needs monitoring for progression of DR
C = number that needs urgent treatment for vision-threatening DR
D = number that needs rehabilitation services
| What is the need for diabetic retinopathy services in your setting? | |
| Population at risk | |
| Total Population: —————————————– | Population (from last census) |
| Population to be covered (age- above 20yrs): ——————————————————————– | From census data |
| Diabetes mellitus | |
| Prevalence of DM in your setting : ——————————————————————- | Prevalence in % from local data or IDF data |
| Number of people with DM | A |
| Diabetic retinopathy | |
| Proportion (%) of DM with Diabetic Retinopathy | 33% (a third of adults with diabetes) |
| Number of people with Diabetic Retinopathy | B |
| Vision threatening diabetic retinopathy | |
| Proportion of DR patients with VTDR | 10% of those with DR |
| Number of people with Vision Threatening DR (VTDR) and need laser treatment | C |
| Blindness | |
| Proportion of people requiring rehabilitation | 2% of those with VTDR |
| Number of people that require rehabilitation | D |
To do:
How many people have sight-threatening DR in your country? Calculate this using the template above
© Nyawira Mwangi
Control of Diabetic Retinopathy 