Advancing equity: Research to help prevent vision loss in Black adults with diabetes

People with diabetes are at risk for vision loss and blindness from a disease called diabetic retinopathy. It’s a condition that affects blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye.

A comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once a year can help patients take steps to protect their vision. Black adults with diabetes are far less likely to schedule an annual exam. Premier, Inc.’s PINC AI Applied Sciences (PAS) has contracted with Henry Ford Innovations (HFI) and Genentech to conduct a research study to help solve this issue. Objectives include:

• Connecting with patients who experience inequities in diabetic eye screening.
• Adapt and test tools and educational materials to support Black adults with diabetes with a goal of increasing awareness and finally scheduling their annual diabetic eye screening.
• Adapt and test a provider guide for culturally responsive conversations with Black adults to increase awareness of the importance of diabetic eye screening, address barriers and motivate individuals to get screened.

A cohort of Henry Ford patients and providers will be identified to provide feedback in a number of ways including focus groups, new signage etc. Genentech’s current materials will be used as a baseline and adapted as needed with further input by the Henry Ford team.

This work is slated to continue through 2024.