Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can lead to vision loss, yet pediatric diabetic patients are not consistently getting screened for the condition. Researchers recently examined if autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) DR screenings were more cost-effective than standard eye care screening examinations performed by general practitioners.

The prevalence of DR among children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes ranges from 4% to 13%, according to the study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. While the American Diabetes Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend yearly screenings, youth DR screening adherence ranges from 35% to 72%.

According to the researchers, patients are more likely to consent to examination with point-of-care (POC) screenings than with traditional referral systems. Further, patients who have positive findings on POC screenings are more likely to seek an examination from an ophthalmologist.