Accuracy of trained rural ophthalmologists versus non-medical image graders in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in rural China

Abstract

Background/aims To determine the diagnostic accuracy of trained rural ophthalmologists and non-medical image graders in the assessment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rural China. Methods Consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus were examined from January 2014 to December 2015 at 10 county-level facilities in rural Southern China. Trained rural ophthalmologists performed a complete eye examination, recording diagnoses using the UK National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (NDESP) classification system. Two field, mydriatic, 45° digital photographs were made by nurses using NDESP protocols and graded by trained graders with no medical background using the NDESP system. A fellowship-trained..