How It Works
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most difficult complications of diabetes, especially because the disease doesn’t produce early symptoms. However, with early detection and treatment, most cases of vision loss and blindness can be prevented.
The Joslin Vision Network (JVN) is an innovative retinal imaging program designed to detect these vision problems early on. Using Joslin’s custom software and specialized cameras, patients are evaluated for diabetic eye disease. This evaluation usually happens at their primary care physician’s, or endocrinologist’s office.
JVN images, along with other patient data, including blood pressure and A1C values, are sent to the JVN Reading and Evaluation Center at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. There, the Joslin’s expert team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and clinical staff evaluate and interpret the images. They identify specific levels of diabetic retinopathy — and then offer appropriate treatment guidance for each patient.