A practical guide to low vision management of patients with diabetes

iabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of low vision and blindness in developed countries. Optometrists have an important role in the detection of diabetic-related eye disease. They are also well-placed to manage patients with reduced vision due to diabetes. In 1998, visual rehabilitation information was analysed from 590 visually impaired patients attending the multidisciplinary Low Vision Clinic at Kooyong in Melbourne, Australia. Diabetes was the primary cause of vision loss in 43 (7.3 per cent) of the patients. This paper investigates the characteristics of these 43 patients and the strategies employed to assist them. In doing so we hope to assist practitioners in managing patients with low vision due to diabetes.