Purpose: To investigate the current status of screening for diabetic retinopathy in Denmark, focussing on organization, methods of screening and regional differences.
Methods: A questionnaire was sent out in 2002 to 14 departments of ophthalmology and one ophthalmology practice, covering all 15 counties in Denmark.
Results: Six counties reported having systematic screening, defined as organized screening, including a database; three reported having plans for systematic screening; two reported having undetermined plans for systematic screening and four reported having no plans for systematic screening. In counties with systematic screening, both the organization and the method of screening varied.
Conclusion: Approximately 43% of Danish patients with diabetes currently live in a county without systematic screening for diabetic retinopathy. Should all counties contemplating systematic screening implement their plans, this proportion will be reduced to approximately 17%.