Prevent Blindness has announced a suite of new educational tools and resources in recognition of Diabetes-related Eye Disease Month this November, aimed at helping patients understand and manage the vision complications associated with diabetes.
The organization shared findings from the 2021 study “Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the U.S.,” which found that 1 in 4 Americans aged 40 and older with diabetes has diabetic retinopathy—the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. The report also notes higher rates of vision-threatening disease among Black and Hispanic populations, underscoring the need for improved access to eye care and patient education.
Prevent Blindness offers free bilingual resources including fact sheets, web content, social media graphics, and videos covering topics such as early detection, eye exam preparation, and disease management. New this year is the Prevent Blindness Eye Health Audio Library, a 24/7 voice-activated service in English and Spanish providing accessible information for patients and caregivers. The audio library, available by calling 1-833-998-5850, was developed with patient and provider input and is supported by Regeneron and Genentech.
For eyecare professionals, Prevent Blindness is preparing to launch a modular education program focused on patient-centered, bias-free diabetes and vision care. The program, developed in collaboration with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association’s paraoptometric continuing education program, will address gaps in patient experience and care delivery.
Available to share with patients, the Prevent Blindness Diabetes-related Eye Disease video series includes a variety of educational videos: “The Patient Perspective: Diabetes-related Eye Disease,” “Diabetes and Your Eyes ABCs,” “Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes: What You Need to Know About Your Eyes,” and “Introduction to the Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit.” Additionally, Prevent Blindness added new fact sheets to its Juvenile Diabetes and Vision Health resource.
Prevent Blindness has also formed a new Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee, bringing together experts across optometry, ophthalmology, public health, and patient advocacy to improve education, access, and policy around diabetes-related eye care.