Critical Advances in Mitigating Progression of Diabetic Eye Disease
The Role of Screening, Prompt Referral, and Anti-VEGF Therapy to Prevent Vision Loss Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy, DME and AMD Across the Spectrum of Diabetes Care

Program Medium 
Internet-based program

Method of Physician Participation Utilized in Learning Process
There are no fees for participating and receiving CME credit for this activity. During the period June 26, 2021 through June 26, 2023, participants must 1) read the learning objectives and faculty disclosures; 2) study the educational activity, and are expected to view the activity, totaling 1.5 hours, to successfully complete the activity and earn CME credit; 3) register and complete the evaluation form and post-test; 4) score 100% on the post-test; and 5) print out CME certificate.

Estimated Time to Complete Educational Activity
1.5 hours. Physicians must study the enduring activity, and are expected to view every segment to successfully complete the activity and earn CME credit.

Course Overview
In this web-based program, physicians will learn how recent developments in screening and treatment have advanced the management of diabetic eye disease in persons with Type 2 or Type 1 diabetes.


Release Date
June 26, 2021

Expiration Date
June 26, 2023


Intended Audience
This complimentary CME educational activity is designed for all healthcare providers (HCPs) involved in developing, delivering, consulting, and monitoring care for patients with type 2 or type 1 diabetes, including endocrinologists, diabetes specialists, primary care physicians, optometrists, and related clinicians.

Registration
Participation in this activity is complimentary, and clinicians are invited to view this CME-certified program and/or share this invitation with other colleagues, departmental staff members, and healthcare professionals.

Grantor Support
This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron.

Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and CMEducation Resources, LLC. The University of Massachusetts Medical School is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Office of Continuing Medical Education designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Policy on Faculty & Provider Disclosure
It is the policy of the University of Massachusetts Medical School to ensure fair balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all activities. All faculty participating in CME activities sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Medical School are required to present evidence-based data, identify and reference off-label product use and disclose all relevant financial relationships with those supporting the activity or others whose products or services are discussed. Faculty disclosure will be provided in the activity materials.

Program Faculty and Disclosure
Vivian Fonseca, MD – Program Chair
Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology
Assistant Dean for Clinical Research
Tullis Tulane Alumni Chair in Diabetes
Chief, Section of Endocrinology
Tulane University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA

A. Paul Chous, MA, OD, FAAO, CDE
Adjunct Instructor
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
Optometrist and Diabetes Educator
Chous Eye Care Associates
Tacoma, WA

Rishi P. Singh, MD
Staff Physician
Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Case Western Reserve University

Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Academic Institute
Associate Clinical Member, Research Institute
Houston Methodist
Weill Cornell Medical College
Director of Research
Retina Consultants Houston
Greater Houston Retina Research Foundation (GHRRF)
Houston, TX

 

Program Managers and Web Editor Disclosure 
Program Managers Gideon Bosker, MD and Denise Leary have nothing to disclose.


Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Apply practical, case-based and guideline-consistent approaches to prompt, systematic referral in persons with diabetes at risk for DR, DME and AMD 
  • Screen for and recognize the retinal findings of diabetes-related eye disease—including early DR, DME, and AMD—and develop prompt, systematic referral strategies to retina specialists who can mitigate progression of DR, DME, and AMD with intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF agents and other therapies
  • Deploy physician- and optometry-focused screening methodologies—among them, in-office/in-clinic screening devices, evolving technologies for evaluation of retinal disease, dilated eye exams, telemedicine technology, optometrist- and physician-based screening and referral protocols—to optimize detection and referral to retina specialists for definitive treatment and prevention of progressive eye pathology and blindness
  • Detail clinical data and vision outcomes using intravitreal, anti-VEGF treatment approaches—vs. other approaches such as laser-based photocoagulation—for diabetic persons with early retinal findings of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy; and why early referral for definitive intravitreal treatment can prevent visual deterioration, impede progression of DR, including blindness, in persons with diabetes;
  • Translate the results of landmark clinical trials evaluating and comparing the effectiveness and safety of FDA-approved, intravitreal therapies—including anti-VEGF agents—to prevent blindness and progression of DR, and the importance of early intervention to optimize vision-related outcomes
  • Detail the mechanism-of-action of approved therapies, vision outcome studies, and critical importance of early intervention and prompt referral to retina specialists to optimize vision preservation and blindness prevention in diabetic patients with DR, DME, or AMD


Hardware and Software Requirements:
To participate in this program, viewers must have a PC or Macintosh computer that has active, ongoing internet access for the duration of the program, as well as a compatible Flash-viewer. An email address is required for registration, and a printer is required to print out the CME certificate.

Privacy Policy
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