Preventable vision loss from diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a persistent challenge driven in part by delays in screening, diagnosis, referral, and treatment—particularly among underserved patient populations. DR is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. Since these challenges span multiple care settings and specialties, improving outcomes requires proactive engagement from all clinicians who manage patients with or at risk for DR/DME. As a result, Paradigm, in collaboration with the AAPA, AANP, CAFP, Endocrine Society, and the National Minority Quality Forum’s Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity, developed a CE-certified initiative aiming to improve multidisciplinary collaboration, early recognition, and evidence-based treatment of DR/DME across diverse clinical audiences. From August 2022 to May 2023, the Eye Connect: Take Action to Prevent Blindness for Your Patients With Diabetes CE-certified interprofessional education initiative delivered three modules targeting gaps across the DR/DME care continuum for diverse clinical audiences, including PCPs, endocrinologists, advanced practice providers, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and retina specialists. Outcomes were assessed using qualitative and quantitative matched cohort analyses, including pre/post evaluations of knowledge, competence, and confidence, supplemented by longitudinal comparisons of real-world clinical behaviors between learners and matched controls. Educational formats included live and virtual programs, enduring materials, case-based learning, infographics, and an immersive online platform. Participants collectively reported managing more than 2 million patients annually, with over 80% caring for individuals with or at risk for DR/DME weekly. Matched cohort analyses demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge (+33.3%), competence (+10.1%), and confidence (+39.0%). More than half of learners reported actionable practice changes, including increased guideline-based screening, enhanced patient education, and improved referral to eye care providers. Health equity strategies were emphasized, with 57% of learners reporting intentions to identify and address barriers in underserved populations. Follow-up analyses demonstrated planned increases in evidence-based behaviors, including screening, addressing social determinants of health, and referral, along with a reported 50% reduction in time from referral to treatment among learners. Findings support the value of targeted, multidisciplinary education in promoting earlier intervention, improved care coordination, and more equitable management of DR/DME.
*Unless otherwise noted, all abstracts presented at ENDO must not be released to the press or the public until the date and time of presentation. For oral presentations, the abstracts are embargoed until the session begins. The Endocrine Society reserves the right to lift the embargo on specific abstracts that are selected for promotion prior to or during ENDO.*
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