Thousands of BVI Diabetics Need Eye Screening
Approximately 3,500 people living with diabetes across the Virgin Islands may require eye screenings to prevent severe vision complications. Medical specialist Dr Nicholas Lee warned that diabetic eye conditions often show no early symptoms and urged residents to get checked annually. The BVI Diabetes Association is seeking volunteers and resources to expand its Territory-wide screening programme.
Approximately 3,500 people living with diabetes in the British Virgin Islands may require regular eye screenings, but a community-focused initiative operated by the BVI Diabetes Association has so far reached just over 250 patients, according to consultant ophthalmologist and medical retina specialist Dr Nicholas Lee.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme, Dr Lee highlighted the urgent need for a more structured, territory-wide approach to diabetic eye care. He warned that diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting the retina at the back of the eye, often develops quietly and progresses significantly before patients notice any loss or distortion in their vision.
According to Dr Lee, roughly 30 percent of the patients screened through the association's programme were found to have eye conditions that require medical attention. Because early damage can remain hidden, waiting for visual symptoms before seeking help often means the disease has already reached an advanced stage.
Dr Lee, who divides his practice between the United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands, explained that the ongoing initiative relies on a specialised high-definition camera to photograph the retina. The quick, non-invasive procedure involves checks for blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and eye pressure, followed by retinal imaging.
Screenings have been conducted on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. While the screenings are offered free of charge to the public, the programme requires more trained hands to maintain and scale its operations. Dr Lee noted that he can review images and diagnose patients remotely from anywhere in the world, but local volunteers are needed to operate the equipment on the ground.
Discussions have taken place with Minister for Health Vincent Wheatley regarding ways to enhance diabetes management across the Territory, guided by recommendations from a recent government-commissioned healthcare review. Emphasising the financial and personal benefits of preventative medicine, Dr Lee noted that early detection dramatically lowers treatment costs for both individuals and the local healthcare system.
He strongly urged all diabetic residents in the Virgin Islands to undergo comprehensive eye evaluations at least once every year, whether through an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
Primary source: BVI News