More than half a million Australians with diabetes are now heeding the message about the importance of regular eye checks in reducing their risk of diabetes retinopathy thanks to KeepSight, the diabetes eye screening reminder programme run by Diabetes Australia.

WRITER Tonya Stock

The KeepSight diabetes eye check reminder programme was established by Diabetes Australia as a way to remind people with diabetes to have regular eye checks.

Diabetes Australia Group Executive, Innovation and Growth, Jon Kidd said more than 90% of diabetes-related eye complications were preventable or could be substantially delayed if identified early, when medical treatment and interventions were most effective.

“This proactive approach, which is zero cost to patients and eye care practitioners, not only preserves vision and improves quality of life but also reduces the healthcare costs associated with treating advanced eye conditions,” he said.

People are getting the message, with more than 560,000 Australians living with diabetes now registered to receive KeepSight diabetes eye check reminders, and more than 5,000 new participants joining the programme every month.

NATIONWIDE IMPACT

The KeepSight dashboard, which the programme uses to understand its impact on diabetes-related vision loss over time, indicates the Primary Health Networks (PHNs) with the highest number of registrants include:

• Hunter New England, NSW (44,000)

• Northwestern Melbourne, Vic (40,000)

• Southeastern Melbourne, Vic (39,000)

• Adelaide, SA (38,000)

• Perth South, WA (35,000)

Unsurprisingly, these areas also experience high rates of diabetes within the community and KeepSight has demonstrated its success in engaging with high percentages of these people who are most at risk.

Optometrist Pawan Kaur

• Hunter New England (73%)

• Northwestern Melbourne (62%)

• Southeastern Melbourne (75%)

• Adelaide (78%)

• Perth South (77%)

Mr Kidd said this success is “music to his ears” and a testament to the commitment of optometrists ensuring their patients with diabetes receive the support they need.

“The fact we have some areas where more than three-quarters of the people living with diabetes are actively engaged in their eye care is exactly the reason KeepSight was developed, and we won’t stop until all parts of Australia show similar results,” he said.

More than 80% of the eye care sector is now registered as KeepSight providers but Diabetes Australia is keen to make that 100%. While people living with diabetes can register themselves for KeepSight reminders, most active participants are referred by their optometrist.

“Eye care providers are at the forefront of preventative diabetes eye care, and we are so grateful for the commitment they’ve shown,” said Mr Kidd. “Together, we are truly shifting the dial on diabetes eye care. KeepSight reminders are good for people with diabetes and good for business, as the reminders bring people back to the practice.”

SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS

When Diabetes Australia launched KeepSight in 2019, it was funded in a public/private partnership with the Australian Government and Specsavers. It was designed to be the key step towards a systematised national diabetes eye screening programme.

Programme participants receive regular reminders for eye check-ups (via email, SMS or post, depending on the programme participant’s preference) from Diabetes

Australia, in addition to any reminders they may receive from their eye care provider.

Mr Kidd said it is this additional layer of reminders that is proving effective in changing people’s behaviour.

“Diabetes is a complex condition and people living with it have a lot to manage. It is relentless. There is never a day off. Often people are also dealing with other, potentially more urgent, complications. The need to have an eye check may be down the pecking order of priority.

“Also, diabetic retinopathy can be asymptomatic. People might think their vision is fine, so there is no need to prioritise a check right now.”

Specsavers optometrist Pawan Kaur sees patients in Cessnock, in the NSW Hunter region, where 73% of people with diabetes are registered with KeepSight. She said she registers as many patients with KeepSight as possible, because it provides an effective way to ensure patients return for their diabetes eye exams.

“Regular check-ups allow for early detection and intervention of pathology in these patients, and KeepSight plays a crucial role in making this possible,” Ms Kaur said.

“Patients registered with KeepSight are significantly more likely to return for eye care in clinically recommended timeframes. Many patients with diabetes are juggling multiple health care appointments and KeepSight helps to reinforce the importance of their eye health among all their other priorities.

“Managing diabetes can be overwhelming so people find it reassuring that there is a system in place prioritising their eye health. With the regular reminders, KeepSight helps them stay organised and gives them one less thing to worry about.

“I find programmes like KeepSight an extremely valuable tool. KeepSight gives me confidence that my patients with diabetes are more likely to return when they should, allowing for earlier intervention and better delivery of care. For patients, it’s a simple and easy way to stay on top of their eye health.”

SIGN UP

To ensure your patients with diabetes receive the support they need outside your clinic, and to keep them coming back to you for eye checks, discuss the KeepSight programme and help them register. Visit: keepsight.org.au

Tonya Stock is the Integrated Marketing Manager at Diabetes Australia.