Coverage rates of eye fundus examinations among Chilean patients with diabetes mellitus

Background: Timely eye fundus examinations are essential to prevent the consequences of retinopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim: To assess the coverage rate (CR) of eye fundus examination in the Chilean diabetic population, between 2011 and 2019. Material and Methods: Analysis of monthly statistical summaries of the Cardiovascular Health Program published online by the Chilean Ministry of Health. The number of patients aged 15 years or more with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the number of those who had an eye fundus examination within the same year, were obtained. Data was analyzed at a national and regional level. Results: The national eye fundus examination CR was 19.1% in 2011. In 2016, the figures became significantly higher, reaching 32..5%. In 2019, the highest value of 36.5% was recoded although not significantly different from 2016. The highest average annual CR was observed in Ruble Health Service (49.5%), and the lowest in Central Metropolitan Service (15%). The highest CR positive absolute and relative variation between 2011 and 2019 was observed in Vina del Mar Quillota Health Service (38.9 and 489% respectively), and the lowest negative variation was observed in Araucania Norte Health Service (-8.42 and -24.21% respectively). Conclusions: There is a low eye fundus examination CR in Chile, with important differences between regional health services.