Free Online CME

Diabetic Retinopathy

Print this Content

 

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common and specific microvascular complication of diabetes, is an eye condition that occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye). DR represents microvascular end-organ damage, and results when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. If not recognized and treated, diabetes commonly produces significant ocular complications that may lead to vision impairment and blindness. In the early stages of the disease (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy), blood vessels leak fluid and distort sight. In the more advanced stage (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), fragile new blood vessels grow around the retina and in the vitreous humor. As the disease progresses, associated diabetic macular edema may also become apparent.  In addition, patient and provider toolkits have been developed for your use. Click here to access the patient toolkit; click here to access the provider toolkit; and click here to view “Provider Tips for Enhanced Patient Communication.”

Webcasts

Release date: November 30, 2021
Expiration date:November 30, 2022
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Type:  Webcast
Technical Requirements: None
Specialty: Endocrinology, Internal Medicine
Release date: November 30, 2021
Expiration date: November 30, 2022
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Type:  Webcast
Technical Requirements: None
Specialty: Endocrinology, Internal Medicine
Diabetic Retinopathy Patient Perspective and Provider Roundtable
Rishi Singh, MD, Mario Skugor, MD, Amy Zack, MD
Release date: November 30, 2021
Expiration date: November 30, 2022
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Type:  Webcast
Technical Requirements: None
Specialty: Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

Series Learning Objectives

  • Increase awareness within HCPs and patients regarding the significance of annual retinal eye examinations, timely referrals, and well-coordinated follow-up.

  • Increase the level of knowledge and skill for primary care physicians and endocrinologists to conduct timely and effective screening for diabetic retinopathy.

  • Develop the critical thinking skills necessary to identify, highlight, and respond to the significance of coordination of care for patients with diabetes and early diagnosis and, treatment for individuals with diabetic retinopathy.

  • Highlight the importance of optimal communication between members of the healthcare team caring for patients with diabetes related to retinal eye examinations.

Target Audience

The online series is designed for primary care practitioners and endocrinologists.

Activity Directors

Rishi Singh, MD
Cole Eye Institute
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH

Mario Skugor, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University
Catherine and Edward Lozick Chair in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Director for Education
Diabetes and Metabolism Institute
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH

Amy Zack, MD
Vice Chair of Education
Cleveland Clinic Community Care
Cleveland, OH