PRESS RELEASE ARLINGTON VA The American Diabetes Association ADA announced a new collaboration with VSP Vision Care a VSP Global company which serves nearly 90 million members as the largest and only national not-for-profit vision benefits provider to focus on an often overlooked but costly and devastating complication of diabetes eye disease This initiative will focus on the crucial role annual comprehensive eye exams play in the early detection intervention and prevention of eye disease and vision loss caused by diabetes Diabetic eye disease is one of the complications of diabetes affecting a third or more of people with diabetes over age 40 said Tracey D Brown CEO of the American Diabetes Association Fortunately we can effectively manage and even prevent diabetic eye disease with early detection and treatment With VSP we are positioned to make this happen Preventing these complications is key Podcast What the Heck is Marketing And What Should ECPs Focus on to Attract New Clients There are 30 million American adults living with diabetes Another 84 million are living with prediabetes yet 90 of them dont know they have it People living with diabetes or prediabetes face increased risk for glaucoma cataracts diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy the leading cause of blindness in working age adults The cost of diabetes to individuals and society continues to skyrocket with an economic burden on the healthcare system in the United States estimated at 139 billion for vision related disorders alone For those living with diabetes an annual eye exam is a must offering a simple way to prevent or delay disease and vision loss caused by diabetes The new eye health initiative will be multi-pronged in order to meet all those affected by or at risk for diabetes related eye disease The initiative will include concerted efforts to Raise awareness and provide actions for those who may be at risk for a diabetes related eye disease Provide patient support and education to those affected by it and Educate healthcare professionals about diabetes related eye disease and how to prevent it The diabetes epidemic affects the daily lives of millions of Americans and adds to an already strained healthcare system looking for solutions said Michael Guyette president and CEO of VSP Global With the delay in diagnosis being one of the most pressing problems still to be solved with diabetes together with the American Diabetes Association were committed to raising awareness of the crucial role an optometrist plays as an accessible part of a persons healthcare team providing a pathway to early detection and ongoing management of disease The new eye health initiative will be launching in 2020 as part of the ADAs Overcoming Therapeutic Inertia campaign to accelerate care treatment and early intervention to improve the lives of people living with and those caring for people with diabetes Additional campaign resources and updates will be released in the coming months Advertisement