Screening for diabetic retinopathy: the first telemedicine approach in a primary care setting in Bahrain.

Objective: To develop an integrated diabetic retinopathy screening program that uses telemedicine.

Methods: In this evaluation of diagnostic technology, six telemedical screening units were established to cover all regions of Bahrain. The units were equipped with a digital fundus camera at the primary health care clinic. Fundus photographs were transmitted via the Internet to a centralized reading center. A retinal specialist at the reading center assessed the images.

Results: From 2003 to 2009, 17,490 diabetic patients were screened. Of the screened patients, 20% were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Of these cases, 31% required treatment.

Conclusions: Telemedicine-based screening program is a feasible and efficient means of detecting diabetic retinopathy and providing treatment.