ABSTRACT
AIMS: To determine the sensitivity and specificity for sight-threatening eye disease (STED) of the diabetic retinopathy screening scheme for Stockport during the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001. METHODS: A random sample of screen-negative patients was recalled for further assessment by consultant ophthalmologists. Screen-positive patients, who were referred, were tracked through the hospital system to determine the outcome. RESULTS: In a 12-month period, 3510 individuals with diabetes were screened, which is 1.2% of the district population. Sensitivity for STED was 75.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 49.3, 99.99] and specificity for STED was 99.0% (95% CI 98.6, 99.3). CONCLUSIONS: The current screening arrangements in Stockport are satisfactory in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Population coverage was 1.2% over 12 months and 1.5% over 15 months and needs to be improved. An integrated computerized register requires further development.
