The prevalence of diabetes is astounding, and you likely see its impact in your patients all the time. Prediabetes and diabetes continue to be two of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the U.S., currently affecting 88 million and 34.2 million people respectively. VSP is launching a Prediabetes A1C Screening pilot program in partnership with two large clients in Ohio with approximately 90,000 members to continue measuring the ability to detect patients at risk for prediabetes during their comprehensive eye exam. This new pilot follows the results of a 2019-2020 pilot that offers in-practice A1C screenings as part of VSP members’ annual eye exams to support eye doctors as essential care providers. The first phase included high participation and satisfaction among patients and revealed unknown health outcomes:
Optometrists are often the first to detect signs of diabetes during a comprehensive eye exam. Coupled with VSP members being more likely to get an annual eye exam over an annual exam with their primary care physician, Doctors of Optometry are uniquely poised to make a positive impact on the growing trend of diabetes and diabetic eye diseases through early detection. The pilot program runs alongside other VSP initiatives designed to support network doctors including the new Premier Academy360 Diabetes Track, which provides access to no-cost continuing education courses on diabetes for doctors and training for staff while earning points that qualify for the American Diabetes Association Badge on VSP Find a Doctor Directory. VSP network doctors in Ohio who would like to participate in the VSP Prediabetes A1C Screening Pilot program can complete the contact form. You can also visit vspeyeondiabetes.com for other ways to support your VSP patients with diabetes and those at risk for prediabetes.