Addressing the Gaps in Eye Care for Diabetes | Who Is at Higher Risk & How We Can Help
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss in the United States, yet many people who need eye exams the most are the least likely to receive them. According to the National Eye Institute, one in four adults over 40 with diabetes has diabetic retinopathy, often without knowing it. Regular screening can prevent or delay damage, but major gaps remain in who gets yearly care and who does not.
At Drs. Campbell Cunningham Taylor & Haun, we serve a wide range of communities across East Tennessee, and we understand how local factors can shape a patient’s access to vision care.
Who Faces Higher Risk for Missed Eye Care
Screening disparities affect many groups, including people who:
1. Live in rural areas
Distance, transportation issues or limited access to specialists can make it difficult for people to attend yearly dilated exams.
2. Have lower awareness of diabetic eye risks
Many individuals do not realize that diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema often have no early symptoms. Without awareness, screening gets postponed.
3. Are older adults
Adults over 60 are more likely to have long-standing diabetes and higher rates of retinopathy, yet they may rely on others for transportation or support.
4. Manage multiple health priorities
People juggling blood sugar, blood pressure, medications and work or family responsibilities may accidentally put eye care last on the list.
These gaps matter because untreated diabetic eye disease can progress silently until vision loss becomes harder to treat.
Why East Tennessee Faces Unique Challenges
East Tennessee has many strengths, including close-knit communities and excellent regional health resources. However, our area also faces challenges that can widen eye care gaps.
- Rural geography makes long drives difficult for some patients
- Limited public transportation can lead to missed appointments
- Lower regional awareness of silent diabetic eye disease increases risk
- Busy lifestyles mean people may delay care until symptoms appear
At Drs. Campbell Cunningham Taylor & Haun, we see these factors every day, which is why we focus not just on treatment but on improving access and awareness.
What Our Practice Does to Close the Gap
We are committed to helping patients overcome barriers by offering:
Education at every visit
We explain how diabetes affects the eyes and why yearly exams matter, even when vision feels normal.
Clear care plans
Patients leave knowing when to return and what symptoms require immediate attention.
Access to advanced retinal services
Our retina specialists offer comprehensive imaging and treatment so patients do not need to travel far for specialty care.
How Patients and Families Can Advocate for Better Eye Health
Your voice matters in your own care. Here are steps that help protect your vision and the vision of your loved ones:
- Schedule a yearly dilated eye exam
- Plan appointments ahead so transportation can be arranged
- Bring a family member who can help ask questions or take notes
- Know your numbers such as A1C and blood pressure since they affect eye risk
- Encourage loved ones with diabetes to get screened, especially if they live alone or have transportation challenges
Advocacy starts with awareness, and even small actions can protect long-term vision.
Free and Low-Cost Resources
- Prevent Blindness: vision education, financial aid information, community programs
- Lions Club International: local chapters may assist with eye exams or glasses
- RxAssist and NeedyMeds: help with medication costs for those receiving diabetic eye injections
- Medicare or Medicaid: often covers medically necessary eye exams for diabetes
*Please note Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun are not affiliated with the organizations mentioned above.
Working Together to Reduce Vision Loss in East Tennessee
Every year many people with diabetes lose vision that could have been protected with earlier screening. Our mission at Drs. Campbell Cunningham Taylor & Haun is to close that gap through education, compassion and accessible care.
If you or someone you love has diabetes and has not had a dilated exam in the past year, the best time to act is now.
Request your appointment with us today and take the next step toward protecting your sight.