TY - JOUR T1 - Screening for diabetic retinopathy in James Bay, Ontario: a cost-effectiveness analysis JF - Canadian Medical Association Journal JO - CMAJ SP - 160 LP - 164 VL - 168 IS - 2 AU - David Maberley AU - Hugh Walker AU - Anita Koushik AU - Alan Cruess Y1 - 2003/01/21 UR - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/168/2/160.abstract N2 - Background: Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that if detected early by regular retinal examinations can be treated; thus, blindness can be delayed or prevented. Providing high-quality retinal screening is difficult, especially in rural and remote areas. Canada's First Nations population has a higher prevalence of diabetes and is, in general, more geographically isolated than the broader Canadian population. We modelled the cost-effectiveness of retinopathy screening by travelling retina specialists versus retinal photography with a portable digital camera in an isolated First Nations cohort with diabetes. Methods: The 2 screening programs were modelled to run concurrently for 5 years, with outcomes evaluated over 10 years. To construct economic models for the population of Cree individuals living in the western James Bay area of northern Ontario, we used available data on the prevalence of diabetes in the area and estimates of the incidence of retinopathy derived from the published literature. We compared the screening models and calculated total costs, visual outcome, costs per sight-year saved and costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). We also estimated the costs of implementing a screening program for all First Nations individuals in Ontario with diabetes and no access to an ophthalmologist. Results: From the perspective of the health care system the camera program was preferable to the specialist-based program. Over 10 years, 67 v. 56 sight years were saved, compared with no screening, at costs of $3900 v. $9800 per sight year and $15 000 v. $37 000 per QALY. Generalizing these results to the province of Ontario, the camera system could allow most isolated First Nations people with diabetes to be screened for 5 years for approximately $1.2 million. Interpretation: A portable retinal camera is a cost-effective means of screening for diabetic retinopathy in isolated communities of at-risk individuals. ER -