Diabetes Management
As primary eye care providers, optometrists are ideally suited to play a pivotal role in early diagnosis and prevention of ocular conditions and diseases that can threaten sight.
Optometrists see patients every one to two years for routine examinations which aid in early diagnosis of many vision conditions and therefore prevents vision loss. Analysis of patient’s medical, ocular, and family history allows patient counseling regarding healthy choices to maximize vision throughout their life.
Through the eyes, optometrists can detect early onset of diseases such as hypertension, cancer, and diabetes, and quickly refer patients to physicians for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
All Saskatchewan beneficiaries with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card who have been diagnosed with diabetes type 1 or 2 are eligible for an insured annual diabetic eye exam. Individuals with pre-diabetes are not eligible. A physician’s referral is not required to receive an insured diabetic eye exam; however, for those non-medicated patients a letter confirming the patient’s diagnosis is recommended.
Visit www.diabetes.ca for more information