New Eye-Saving Technology at Providence Clinics Proves Beneficial for Diabetic Patients

Providence Medical Group patients can now be screened for diabetic retinopathy during Primary Care visits.

Spokane, Wash. — Providence Medical Group (PMG) offers new eye-saving technology proven to help identify early onset eye disease for people with diabetes.  

Providence Medical Group installed specialty cameras in 2021 to screen diabetic patients at risk of damage to the blood vessels in the eye’s retina, also known as retinopathy. The cameras take photos of a patient’s retina and screen for early signs and symptoms of vision loss.  

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in American adults. PMG Primary Care clinics have already reported success in identifying early onset retinopathy. This screening allows providers to intervene at earlier stages of the disease, helping preserve patient quality of life.  

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions treated at PMG clinics. Providence Medical Group Eastern Washington Primary Care Division Chief Dr. Tiffany Sibley said it takes a team effort to help diabetic patients live long and healthy lives. 

“We’re focused on making inroads into creating an integrated network to coordinate care so that patients have quicker access and timely quality care,” Sibley said.  

Providing these screenings at PMG clinics can also eliminate the need for a patient to seek a specialty referral to have the images taken, saving people time and money. Talk with your primary care provider about retinopathy screening at your next visit. 

November marks National Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects almost 1 in 10 Americans. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, and are at risk of developing the disease.