EyeCon 2024: Taking a multidisciplinary approach to diabetic eye care

At the EyeCon meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Mark Dunbar, OD, FAAO, of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute will be presenting on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing diabetes. Joined by diabetes care expert and EyeCon co-chair A. Paul Chous, OD, MA, FAAO, Dunbar will emphasize the critical role optometrists play in this collaborative effort.

As frontline providers, optometrists are often the first to recognize signs of diabetic retinopathy in their patients. But Dunbar stresses that their responsibilities extend far beyond just identifying eye health issues. "As optometrists, we do a great job of educating our patients on blood sugar levels, diet, and exercise—things that are typically part of primary care," he explains.

The key, according to Dunbar, is maintaining open lines of communication with the other healthcare providers involved in a patient's diabetes management, including endocrinologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. "We're in the middle, and our job is to relay information back and forth—what we're seeing in the eyes, and what the primary care team is telling the patient about controlling their diabetes," said Dunbar.

Dunbar notes that building these collaborative relationships, especially for young optometrists starting their practices, can be challenging. Patients may have difficulty accessing specialists or be limited by their insurance coverage. But he believes it's a critical step, as primary care providers are actively seeking optometrists they can trust as resources for their diabetic patients. In his EyeCon presentation, Dunbar plans to share practical tips for optometrists, such as the key questions to ask new diabetic patients to assess their level of disease management and engagement. He'll also discuss strategies for helping patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, drawing on the expertise of his co-presenter Chous. By fostering a true multidisciplinary approach, Dunbar is confident optometrists can play an invaluable role in improving outcomes for the millions of Americans living with diabetes. Attendees of the EyeCon meeting will come away with a roadmap for strengthening these vital partnerships.