[dbdb]

at the local eyeglass shop an optometrist does a dialated test for $30.

I called an opthamilogist and he asks $200!
(with fudus photo)

is it ok to get the dialated eye test done by the $30 guy? Just having that yearly test done as I've been told to have. never had any problem before.

same test?

[xMenace]

I believe in the UK it's recommended you be screened by either an opto or a GP. Only problems are referred to opthos.

At my last D expo a couple of young optos told me it's fine to see them for annuals.

Ask the ADA what they think

[ProjectZero]

You should ask the ophthalmologist what his/her test involves. I would not be surprised if it's more detailed than the optometrist.

Whenever I've had a retinopathy test from an ophthalmologist, it involves a wider dilation than the optometrist's, and my ophthalmologist _also_ performs a retina exam (takes a histogram and a few other different photographs). My eyes have not warranted a fluorescein angiography-- that has to be done by a ophthalmologist and as I understand it, is usually done in more advanced cases of retinopathy.

When I've had a retinopathy test from an optometrist, my eyes are dilated and either a photograph is taken or the OD will exam the eyes through their fancy magnifying glass. That's how my diabetes, retinal tears and macular edema was first spotted-- I was then referred to an ophthamologist for further diagnosis and initial treatment. After laser surgery, I had two followups with the ophthamologist over the course of 6 months and after I gained good control of my BG levels, my subsequent exams was again performed by an optometrist (which are now back to a yearly visit).

I suspect if something dramatically changes in my BG levels, I'll have to go back and see the eye MD for specific treatments for retinopathy (or other eye disorders that I could be prone to) but the standard eye exams will continue with the optometrist.

The $200 sounds about right from a opthamologist.

[dbdb]

So it sounds like it's fine to just go with just the simple preventative optometrist screening. If problems are found, then then I can go to opthamologist.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by dbdb

So it sounds like it's fine to just go with just the simple preventative optometrist screening. If problems are found, then then I can go to opthamologist.

I would not recommend this. My insurance covers regular 6 month visits to an opthamologist. An optometrist certainly can diagose diabetic retinopathy, however they are not trained with a medical degree and don't treat the condition. An ophthalmologist on the other hand has a medical degree and can treat condition should it occur. Who do you think has more competency and experience?

The other consideration is that there is a relationship between diabetes and glaucoma. Glaucoma is best diagnosed by tracking small changes as they emerge. This can only be done by consistently seeing someone to monitor your eyes. A random visit to the Costco optomotrist just won't do.

Diabetic retinopathy has no warning symptoms. Unless you get it checked regularly you won't even see the warning signs. If your insurance covers good care from an ophthalmologist, then an opthamologist should be your first choice.

[xMenace]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

If your insurance covers good care from an ophthalmologist, then an opthamologist should be your first choice.

If not, then I don't think I'd hesitate using an opto, as long as he dialated.

I think the longer you go, the more you'll want to see an optho too. If you are a noob and have good control, the risk is much lower. I would never go to an annual now, not that I've had an annual in about 7 years

[dbdb]

my insurance doesnt not cover this, so I have to accept what can afford..

between meds and supplies and food and doctors, this disease costs me so many thousands per year already.

[Jules49]

You did not say how long you have had this disease. After 31 years I see a retina specialist twice a year. Have had two laser procedures. I have been on Medicare since I was in mid 40's. Would be in big trouble if not for that. My endo has told me he would no longer take anymore Medicare patients. Think many doctors are doing this now. I did not realize the lows could damage the eyes. He told me that the last time I saw him and had the dye tests done. Have some macaular edema in other eye now.

[dbdb]

12 years for me. Have not had a test in about 3yrs, so will do so next week.