Improving outcomes for diabetic retinopathy by examining community factors and healthcare quality
Official title: The Path to Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Outcomes: Evaluating Neighborhood Characteristics and Healthcare Quality
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10948996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the neighborhood you live in and the quality of healthcare you receive affect whether people with diabetes get the eye exams and treatment they need to prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $241,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036605-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes who may be at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have access to Medicare may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neighborhood characteristics and healthcare quality influence the screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major cause of blindness among people with diabetes. It aims to understand why many patients do not receive the recommended eye exams and follow-up care. By analyzing Medicare data alongside community health metrics, the study will identify barriers to adherence in screening and treatment. The findings could help tailor interventions to improve care for patients at risk of vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and treatment protocols for diabetic retinopathy, ultimately reducing the risk of blindness in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community and healthcare factors significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borkar, Durga — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Borkar, Durga
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.