January 2024

OPHTHALMOLOGY

IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Featuring: ​Manjot K. Gill, MD
​
Manjot K. Gill, MD, professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Education at Northwestern Medicine, is conducting research to improve treatment and outcomes for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Improving access to existing treatment
​
​In conjunction with the Diabetes Quality Committee at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Gill is leading quality improvement efforts to improve diabetic retinopathy screening rates. The project is focused on centralizing patient care so that patients presenting with diabetic retinopathy have a care navigator to schedule all appointments.
 
The team has developed a questionnaire that they send to diabetes patients when scheduling appointments with their primary care physician. Patients who respond that they have not had a recent eye exam in the last two years are flagged within the medical record and the PCP is alerted when they come in for follow up with ophthalmology. This care model has reduced wait times for retinopathy exams and improved diabetic retinopathy screening rates at Northwestern Medicine.

Creating new treatment options for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
​
Dr. Gill is participating in a phase 3 trial to test a novel delivery mechanism of long-acting anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for patients with diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. The study used a port therapy to deliver the treatment and has promising results so far, demonstrating ability to treat and prevent diabetic retinopathy complications. Dr. Gill is also participating in clinical trials using anti-VEGF injections for treatment of diabetic macular edema.
​
​​Manjot K. Gill, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Education

Refer a Patient

Northwestern Medicine welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in caring for your patients. ​

You May Also Like