Estimate to complete short course: 3.25 (not including optional assessment)

Over 8% of all Australians are diabetic; despite our best efforts to manage hypertension and glucose levels, around 40% of individuals in this population will develop a form of diabetic retinopathy and potentially lose their vision. Research shows that approximately half of diabetes patients in Australia go without appropriate eye review. 

While assessment via dilated fundus examination and visual acuity testing are the standard for general practice, digital retinal photography is increasing in popularity as an adjunct diagnostic screening tool. Fundus photography can be used to determine when an ophthalmic evaluation is required.

The first unit contains an overview on diabetic retinopathy, from an ophthalmologist with a special interest in the area. Here you’ll learn the risk factors, classification, presentation, treatment, and key referral criterion for ophthalmological assessment.

The next unit contains a quiz on 27 retinal images to test your diagnostic and referral skills.

If you have any queries relating to the clinical content of this course, please email Gillian Vey or telephone the UQ School of Medicine Discipline of General Practice on (07) 3365 5379.