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@article{202195,
        author = {Madhurja Tapan Tamuli and PRINCE BHARDWAJ and Dr mohammad zeeshan},
        title = {THE CONTRIBUTION OF OPTOMETRISTS TO THE EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {5871-5876},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202195},
        abstract = {Objective: To assess the level of knowledge among optometrists regarding Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and its early clinical signs.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 120 diabetic patients undergoing routine eye examinations. Visual acuity (VA) assessment was performed using a Snellen chart, followed by anterior segment evaluation using a slit lamp biomicroscope. Dilated fundus examination was carried out using direct ophthalmoscopy (DO) and fundus photography where available. Early signs of diabetic retinopathy such as microaneurysms, dot-blot hemorrhages, and hard exudates were recorded. Data were collected and analyzed using statistical methods including frequency distribution and chi-square analysis.
Results: The study found that a significant proportion of patients showed early retinal changes suggestive of diabetic retinopathy. Microaneurysms were the most commonly observed early sign, followed by dot-blot hemorrhages and hard exudates. Optometrists were able to identify these early findings during routine examinations and appropriately refer suspected cases to ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis indicated an association between the duration of diabetes and the presence of early retinal changes.
Conclusion: Optometrists play a crucial role in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy through routine eye examinations and screening practices. Strengthening optometric training and integrating optometrists into diabetic retinopathy screening programs can significantly improve early diagnosis and reduce the risk of vision loss caused by diabetic eye disease.},
        keywords = {Diabetic Retinopathy, Visual acuity, Microaneurysms, Dot blot hemorrhages, Direct Ophthalmoscopy.},
        month = {May},
        }