Feasibility of a Bi-national Consulate-based Teleophthalmology Screening and Referral Protocol for Diabetic Retinopathy among Mexican Migrants in the United States

Aims. To evaluate a bi-national consulate-based teleophthalmology screening service for diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Mexican migrants in the U.S. Methods. Adult visitors (n=508) at Mexican consulates in California with self-reported diabetes underwent questionnaires and fundus photography. Photographs were graded for DR by retina fellows in Mexico via teleophthalmology. Participants were contacted with results and provided referrals when necessary. Results. Nearly all (97.6%) participants were aware that diabetes can cause vision loss. One-quarter (24.4%) had undergone an eye examination in the past year. Barriers to care were cost (53.9%) and insurance (45.6%). Most (85.4–91.1%) reported that Spanish-speaking providers and provision of screening in primary care would increase participation in screening. Any DR, vision-threatening DR, or proliferative DR were found in 30.2%, 9.9%, and 5.4% of participants, respectively. Nearly one-fifth (19.5%) received referrals. Conclusions. Screening in Mexican consulates may improve DR detection and treatment among Mexican migrants in the U.S.