Programs

Community Programs

Vision Project

A healthy retina is necessary for good vision. Diabetes can harm the eyes because over time high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can damage eyes even before a person sees changes in their vision. Finding and treating the disease early is the best way to control diabetic eye disease before it causes vision loss or blindness.

In 2006, while reviewing the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) insurance data from 2001-2005 and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 1999-2005, the Diabetes Prevention and Control program (DPCP) noted that rates of dilated eye exams among people with diabetes were inconsistent and not showing improvement. In January 2007, the DPCP and New Mexico Health Care Takes On Diabetes (NMHCTOD) convened statewide eye health partners to address the issue.

The aim of the subsequent vision project was to identify factors that keep eye exams from occurring as frequently as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), select activities to address these factors and pilot the activities to evaluate their effectiveness. Ben Archer Health Centers in southern New Mexico piloted the project and provided key insights about barriers in accessing vision screenings and follow-up care.

New Mexico Vision Project for People with Diabetes- Final Report

The results of the vision project were recently summarized in a final report available by clicking here.

For more information on the New Mexico Vision Project for People with Diabetes-

contact Charm Lindblad at 1-866-796-9121 and clind48535@aol.com or Pam Kovach, RN at (505) 476-7611 and Pamela.Kovach@state.nm.us